Apprentices ‘essential’ in tackling skills shortage
Logistics UK is marking National Apprenticeship Week by urging members to take advantage of the apprenticeship schemes available to future-proof the industry.
Alex Veitch, deputy director – public policy at Logistics UK, said: “With more than half of decision-makers reporting that apprenticeships and work-based learning will be vital for the future of their organisation, maximising the opportunities afforded by apprenticeship schemes will be essential in overcoming the skills shortage faced in the logistics industry.
“The government recognises the value of these schemes and has shown a commitment to growing the opportunities for apprenticeships in the industry. In 2021 it increased the available funding to £7,000 for a Category C + E licence HGV Driver apprenticeship and created a new Urban Driver Apprenticeship for Cat C only with funding of £5,000.
“With these and many other apprenticeships in place, it is the perfect time for logistics companies to take advantage of these opportunities.
“Now, Logistics UK is urging the Department for Education to expand the terms of its National Skills Fund (NSF) – an initiative to help adults train into new careers – to include level 2 qualifications so British workers can access this funding to train as HGV drivers, and other vital roles the logistics industry desperately needs to fill.”
