TIR's Lifelong Logistics tackles skills shortage
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Words: Laura Hailstone TIR TRAINING SERVICES believes it has the answer to the industry's problem of attracting and retaining new talent through its Lifelong Logistics programme.
"Many young people are looking for a career, one that offers opportunities for progression, and we believe that setting out development pathways through a Lifelong Logistics programme addresses this," said TIR sales and partnerships manager Pauline Mitchell, who developed the concept.
She said the industry needs to engage with young people and showcase the diversity and scale of the opportunities available across the sector. "Much has been said about a driver shortage by 2014, but not much has been done to address the issue of how to bring in new blood," she added.
Although Lifelong Logistics centres around an apprenticeship, Mitchell described it as more like a traditional traineeship, covering all aspects of a road transport operation. "Through Lifelong Logistics, new recruits can enter the industry via a warehousing apprenticeship; warehousing staff can take on a Driving Goods Vehicles qualification; drivers wishing to move into supervisory or management roles can undertake traffic office or logistics management training; and there are opportunities for administrative staff to aim towards customer service or business administration roles and qualifications."
TIR is developing a preapprentice programme that would allow individuals to test the water before committing to an 18-month apprenticeship.
Clipper Logistics is implementing a Lifelong Logistics programme for some of its staff but Mitchell said the programme is suitable for any size of haulier.
TIR is only registered to provide funding for companies and individuals in England. Interested parties should contact TIR Training on 01482 213113.
TRUCK DRIVER TO RUN IJ MCGILL TRAINING SERVICES IJ McGill Transport has taken on a former LGV driver to run its training business. A truck driver for more than 15 years, Ian Jowitt has been conducting driver training for three years and is authorised by JAUPT to offer Driver CPC training.
Officially launched in November at the haulage firm's Manchester site, IJ McGill Training Services offers nine Driver CPC modules, including driver vehicle checks, introduction to tachographs, customer focus, and drivers health and safety.
We have our own requirement to train our 77 drivers but we are also offering the training to third parties," said Hugh O'Brien, depot manager at McGill's Manchester depot. "Because Ian was a driver himself, he can talk to drivers about his personal experiences."
It will introduce ADR courses from February.
• For more, go to: ijmcgilltransport.com