Industry welcomes new skills academy funding
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By Chris Druce
THE ROAD TRANSPORT industry has welcomed the news that the National Skills Academy for Logistics has received government funding to the tune of £3.25m.
It means the academy, which will function as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for employers’ training enquiries and needs, is on course to launch in October 2011, and be fully operational by autumn 2012.
The government’s £3.25m will be match-funded by employers.
Ian Hartley, vice-president of operations at DHL Supply Chain, says: “The quality and commitment of people makes the difference between good operators and those who are not so good. It takes dedication and a certain mindset to turn up for work at 3.00am in February, digging yourself out of the snow when many businesses just shut up shop for the day.
“The academy will help employers develop their best asset – their people, making them more successful and in turn, becoming a more attractive employer.” Isobel Harding, Freight Transport Association national training manager, adds: “This will be beneicial to the whole industry as a lagship to promote skills for life through to degree-level, enabling industry to embrace higher levels of quality and eficiency.” Tony Higgins, director of learning at System Training, which is delivering the new Eddie Stobart Apprenticeship, said: “Anything that heightens the proile of training and development is a good thing. The academy should also raise the consistency of training delivery across the country.”