ESF Skills for Growth: Logistics Skills

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) looked to procure a lead organisation to deliver training which would support skills challenges faced by the Logistics sector.

The logistics industry is going through an unprecedented and rapid transformation, paving the way for innovation and major changes. A plethora of emerging technologies are shaping the future of logistics, with changing customer requirements being a key factor in shaping the technologies used by the industry.

These developments in both “place” and the digital transformation of the business environment, and “infrastructure” have major implications for skills and pathways into the sector. Employer engagement tells us that these skills shortages could be resolved with further training.

Employers identified the following occupations as particular priority for upskilling within the current workforce.

The following roles should be targeted as part of this skills package:

• Traffic Office – e.g., roles including Transport Planners, Managers and Coordinators, Planning Supervisors and Logistics Administrators
• Warehousing Professionals – e.g., warehousing roles where higher-level digital skills to support digital transformation and the introduction of automation are in increased demand.
• Roles involving Import / Export – e.g., skills and knowledge upskilling around navigating post-Brexit rules of origin Delivery should look to include, but is not limited to, modules of current L3+ apprenticeship standards or equivalent qualifications such as:
• Transport and Warehousing Operations Supervisor
• International Freight Forwarding Specialist (road freight)
• Supply Chain Practitioner. Delivery should also look to upskill individuals working in, or to enable them to progress in occupations where there is a current gap in Apprenticeship standards, such as:
• Fleet Managers
• Logistics Operations Maintenance / Procurement / Warehousing Managers

The specification is part of a longer-term plan to develop skills to ensure that businesses are better able to retain and progress staff. Increasing opportunities for upskilling and investing in staff training and development has been highlighted as a key factor in reducing staff turnover and increasing business growth.

The overarching aim of the package is to improve skills, create pathways for progression, and prepare people for higher apprenticeships/higher levels of learning.

This opportunity was commissioned as a further competition/call off from the education, work and skills flexible procurement system.