An innovative new partnership between local authorities and leading businesses in the logistics industry has been launched in a bid to boost the economy in Cumbria.
 
The Cumbria Logistics Employer Forum (CLEF) has been set up to bring a range of organisations involved in the important economic sector together and offer a platform to help increase and strengthen the logistics skills pool in the region. The forum will focus on developing the area’s workforce through proven schemes such as the government’s Apprenticeships for young people and already over 30 local businesses have signed up to benefit from the framework and support.
 
Carlisle City Council, the Logistics Academy North West and major companies such as Carrs Billington, Sealy UK, Enesco, BOCM Pauls, Reays Coaches and System Training have all pledged their support to the forum in order to tackle major issues facing the logistics industry.

Significant support has also been pledged by Skills for Logistics - an organisation licensed by the government to develop workforce skills within the logistics sector and provide employers with a competitive advantage.
 
A steering group has been set up and guidelines as to how the group will work going forward have all been established along with a number of key objectives.
 
These include promoting the growth of the logistics sector in Cumbria by encouraging new business development, increasing the awareness of opportunities in logistics within schools and further education establishments, and sharing information on the latest requirements regarding training, legislation and best practice within the industry.
 
It is hoped the forum will provide a number of benefits to members that will help them to grow their workforce within Cumbria as well as attract new companies, and jobs, to the area. Any businesses with an involvement in the logistics sector are invited to join the forum and the next meeting is planned for Wednesday 21 April 2010. More information for new members can be obtained by calling System Training on 01228 574000.
 
The logistics industry has traditionally been an important part of the Cumbrian economy and, currently, over 10% of all workers in Carlisle are employed within this sector.
 
Andy Hallington, Chairman of CLEF said:
“The Cumbria Logistics Employer Forum brings together a wide range of logistics employers in region, offering members opportunities to develop the skills of their workforce, update themselves on industry best practice and develop a local network of logistics companies to the benefit of both themselves and the local economy.”
 
Councillor Marilyn Bowman, Economy Portfolio Holder Carlisle City Council said:
“Carlisle City Council and the Carlisle Economic Development and Enterprise Group recognise the vital role that logistics plays in the local economy and this reflected in the Growing Carlisle Local Economy Strategy.  This is not just about the employment provided by all aspects of the sector but also the role it plays in the wider supply chain, ensuring that many of our businesses are able to be competitive.  The City Council has shown this commitment to the sector through providing support to the Partnership to become established.”

 Follow CLEF on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cumbrialogistic

System Training has started to take applications for the next intake of 16-18 year old students on its hugely successful Logistics Apprenticeship programme.   

The innovative training programme, the only one of its kind the UK, will initially train young Apprentices in all areas of the Logistics industry before helping them to identify an area of the business that best suits their skills.   

Students will receive training in Traffic Planning, Warehousing and Driving Goods Vehicles and will have the opportunity to train for, and achieve, their car or HGV licences – while still receiving a guaranteed salary from System Training. Apprentices will also benefit from placements within local logistics and transport companies and gain experience in the specific industry area that they have identified to pursue. 

With over 10% of workers in Carlisle employed in the Logistics industry, this programme has a real benefit to provide quality training, specific to the students’ needs and continue the success of the industry in the region. Short videos demonstrating the benefits of the Logistics Apprenticeship programme can be viewed by clicking here and here. 

For further details or to apply for selection onto the programme please contact Joanne Power at System Training on 01228 574000 or joanne.power@system-training.com .  

System Training has been awarded a prestigious training industry accolade by achieving certification in the Training Quality Standard.  The Training Quality Standard is an assessment framework designed to recognise and celebrate the best organisations delivering training and development solutions.  

Championed by the Learning and Skills Council to develop a new higher standard for training provision, the assessment for the nationally-recognised certification looks at all components of the training provider’s performance.

For training providers, large and small, the Standard offers a framework to drive improvement and challenge thinking on how best to achieve impact in employer customers’ businesses especially performance and profitability.  In awarding System Training the certification, the TQS assessment highlighted the fact that it was an ambitious organisation with a national profile, and that it had a clear mission to support the logistics sector by enhancing service standards through qualifications and training.  

It praised the fact that System Training, part of Logistics Academy North West, had supported the forming of Skills Academies in the North West and North East regions and was aiming to become a centre of excellence for the sector in the future.

The report also noted that System Training worked “positively and effectively with large companies both within the sector (e.g. piloting of apprenticeship programs with local employers) and also with major retailers and other companies who have their own transport and logistics departments.  In the latter case the System Training offer is to “train the trainers” within those companies to spread the coverage of consistent training provision.  In terms of strategic direction and alignment to the government agenda for skills, System Training is working closely with the Sector Skills Council in developing qualifications for the sector.”  

With its research and development engaging over 600 organisations, the Standard reflects employers' priorities and expectations in sourcing training, and assesses whether providers can meet those priorities and expectations when they deliver to employers.

System Training will use the certification by TQS to underline the effectiveness of its ‘train-the-trainer’ workforce development package that has already been successfully rolled out with high-profile companies such as Tesco, Bibby Distribution and TM Logistics.  These programmes are aimed at raising the standard of workforce training and creating efficiencies for businesses involved in the logistics and transport sector.  

Tony Higgins, Operations Director at System Training, said:

“Being awarded the Training Quality Standard certification is the culmination of a lot of hard work from the whole team here at System Training and we’re extremely proud to receive the accolade.  The Standard is a mark for training providers to aspire to and it’s fantastic that System Training’s high quality content and delivery, innovation and proactivity has been recognised and rewarded in this way.  As all areas of the business are assessed, it really is a team effort and all System employees should be praised for helping to raise the bar and rising to the challenge.  We are committed to continuous improvement and delivering a tangible benefit to the employers and businesses we work with, and receiving the Training Quality Standard means we have been recognised as one of the best organisations delivering training to employers.”

A unique Driver CPC Consortium has been launched with the aim of improving training standards across the UK Logistics industry.

The initiative is targeted at helping with the implementation of the new Driver CPC legislation within logistics businesses.

Over 20 of the logistics sector’s leading names have already signed up including: Bibby Distribution, Tesco, MAN Trucks, Bulmers Transport, TM Logistics and Home Delivery Network.

Led by System Training, the consortium has been developed to facilitate the cost effective, seamless in-house delivery of the statutory periodic driver training that forms the basis of the Driver CPC for both LGV and PCV Drivers. An extensive range of training programmes and development solutions are available and are designed to improve business performance and profitability. Benefits include improved fuel efficiency, reduced number of accidents, lower maintenance costs and insurance premiums, as well as increased utilisation, improved staff morale and retention.

Members of the Consortium will work with a highly experienced, dedicated team of training experts, who will assist in the development and implementation of an effective Driver CPC programme within their business. Membership is backed up by a full provision of ‘Train the Trainer’ support required for each company’s own instructors.

Membership of the System Driver CPC Consortium provides organisations with the flexibility of accessing a wide variety of training materials without the administrative and financial burden of registering centres and courses with JAUPT.

The Consortium has been specially developed for medium and large-scale transport and logistics operations and major retail businesses operating their own transport fleets that have, or wish to develop, an in-house training capability. Typically these businesses will employ in excess of 50 drivers.

Smaller businesses and individual owner drivers will normally benefit most from Driver CPC training delivered directly by System Training’s expert staff, either on the regular Driver CPC training courses, provided at one of System’s network of UK facilities, on site in its fully-equipped mobile classroom, or on the client’s premises.

Other regional logistics training providers can also benefit by accessing the quality assured, JAUPT approved training courses developed by System Training. This package includes training material, Centre and Course approval, driver certification, administration services and quality procedures.

Companies wishing to register an interest in joining the consortium should contact System Training on 01228 574000.

Robin Brown, Chief Executive of System Training, said:

“We have worked hard with our customers in the past to deliver workforce solutions which make a real difference and now, with the launch of our Driver CPC Consortium, we are taking that a step further. The Consortium offers businesses a simple solution and through our delivery of driver training, System can make a substantial difference to their operating costs and ultimately make the business more profitable. We are committed to forming solid partnerships with our clients to ensure greater operating efficiency and removing wastage from both their business and the transport industry as a whole.”

Iain Speak, Bibby Distribution CEO, said:

“Our partnership with System Training has been extremely beneficial, and I believe the Driver CPC Consortium further enhances that partnership. What sets System Training apart from other training providers is that they consider each client’s specific requirement and focus on providing a training solution that delivers tangible financial value and operational gain to the business, adding to our profitability. The content and delivery is of the highest quality and really cuts down on the amount of time and money we spend on administration, enabling Bibby Distribution to concentrate on providing a quality service to its clients.”

Alex Laffey, Tesco Transport Director, said:

“System Training's consortium model delivers a good solution for Tesco as a company. As well as allowing us to provide high-quality training for our drivers, System Training really goes that extra mile to ensure we make full use of the training delivered for the maximum operational benefit. At Tesco, we are aiming to provide the best training to our drivers so that we can reduce our impact on the roads and environment."

A video release containing an interview with System Training's Robin Brown may be viewed here

Ends

Information created and supplied copyright free by The Inside Line Ltd.

Media contact: Glenn Patterson, m: 07920 548976, e: glenn@the-inside-line.co.uk

Further information on System Training and their training and workforce development solutions available from Stephanie Norman, t: 01228 574024, e: Stephanie.norman@system-training.com

Follow System Training on Twitter at www.twitter.com/systemtraining

A UK-based training firm has been taking a keen interest in proceedings in Denmark over the past week. 

Tom Park, Instructor Academy Training Manager for System Training, has been in Scandinavia assisting international bulk logistics company Hoyer. 

Park made the trip to work with Hoyer’s driver training assessors and teach them the latest safe and fuel efficient driving principles in order to keep up their high standards of driving and improve the quality of Hoyer’s workforce. 

As the world’s second-largest tank container operator, with more than 20,000 tankers often carrying gas or liquid fuel, it is vitally important that Hoyer maintains a very high standard of driving within its fleet. 

Park delivered a week-long 'train the trainer' course to enable two of Hoyer’s assessors to roll out the high-quality training programme to Hoyer's Danish drivers.  

Having been put through their paces by Park these instructors will become ‘Master Drivers’ within the Hoyer fleet, and pass on what they have learned.  The aim is to develop their roadcraft and vehicle skills to a higher level, equal to DSA Instructor in the UK.  

The training also comprised of fuel efficient driving principles, which are aimed at converting the minimum amount of fuel to the maximum amount of energy and thus reducing CO2 emissions. 

The driver training techniques will help make Hoyer drivers safer and also more fuel efficient, saving money and reducing pollution.  They will also benefit the company by helping to reduce accidents, maintenance costs and insurance premiums, as well as increasing utilisation, improving staff morale and retention. 

In January Park will also visit Hoyer’s base in Sweden to train another four of the company’s assessors. 

System Training’s ‘train-the-trainer’ approach is part of its workforce development package that has been successfully rolled out with high-profile companies such as Tesco, DHL, Bibby Distribution and TM Logistics. 

In order to raise the standard of workforce training and create efficiencies for businesses involved in the logistics and transport sector System Training has been working with major logistics players developing their internal training infrastructure and supporting the development of new and innovative training programmes.  These programmes are often bespoke to client business needs and are designed to add value to the bottom line of a business. 

Carin Schrader, Training & Recruitment Manager for Hoyer UK, said:

“The core element of our management philosophy takes the concerns of the environment and our staff into account and this philosophy has led to Hoyer’s continued success.  With this in mind, it’s crucial for us to have properly trained drivers whose efforts can lead to a reduction in pollution and efficiencies in fuel consumption and other operating overheads.  Our experience with System Training in the past has demonstrated that they can deliver to our high standards and were the obvious choice when it came to educating our driver training assessors.” 

Robin Brown, Chief Executive of System Training, said:

“We are extremely happy to be continuing our association with Hoyer; they are a fantastic company with very high quality standards.  Our training packages enable their drivers to be safer and more fuel efficient as well as helping with the client’s compliance.  This not only ensures the drivers meet the highest standards but can also make a difference to the company’s profitability by decreasing accidents, insurance premiums and vehicle maintenance costs.  This type of 'train the trainer' course follows System Training’s ethos of working closely with our clients helping them to take waste out of the supply chain and ensure the maximum possible benefit for their businesses.”

Ends 

Information created and supplied copyright free by The Inside Line Ltd.

Media contact: Glenn Patterson, m: 07920 548976, e: glenn@the-inside-line.co.uk

Further information on System Training and their training and workforce development solutions available from Stephanie Norman, t: 01228 574024, e: Stephanie.norman@system-training.com  

Follow System Training on Twitter at www.twitter.com/systemtraining

Watch as a group of young apprentices get a close up look at the latest road safety technology on our Road Safety Awareness day, held by System Training as part of national Road Safety Week.

System Training hosted an event for 30 young apprentices in Carlisle featuring practical demonstrations from police, fire and rescue and motorsport stars as part of national Road Safety Week.

View the footage from the event by clicking here.

System Training has won a major new contract to train driving instructors for supermarket giant Tesco. 

The national training company, a member of Logistics Academy North West, has been commissioned to deliver training to Tesco instructors - who will go on to become driver training instructors to over 3,000 Tesco goods vehicle drivers. 

The deal came about after Tesco began looking for a solution to training its workforce to comply with new Driver CPC legislation, which became mandatory in September 2009.  In addition, the SAFED (Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving) techniques will help Tesco meet its target of reducing diesel consumption by 7% - as documented in the BBC’s latest Panorama programme.  In turn, the proposed fuel savings will increase company profits and reduce pollution.  

A partnership was formed and System Training provided the global grocery firm with advice on how to spot a good potential driver trainer.  The initial intake of instructors have recently completed the two-week driver instructor training programme, which is completely bespoke to Tesco and will give the instructors the ability to deliver classroom training to 3,100 Tesco drivers. 

Having recruited the trainers and up-skilled the chosen few, System Training will also provide them with a toolkit to enable them to pass on their knowledge.  System Training has also worked closely with Tesco to harmonise their training materials with the requirements of the Driver CPC, and provided instructor manuals and workbooks for drivers on each individual course. 

Over the course of the deal System Training will continue to provide administrative support to Tesco and will monitor the progress of the drivers involved in the scheme.  System will also upload the training data to the Driver Standards Agency and JAUPT websites to ensure the training is being carried out correctly and provide the drivers with the required legal qualifications. 

They will also work closely with Tesco to set robust procedures to ensure the ongoing quality of training is of the highest possible standard, and is actually over and above the requirements of the Driver CPC guidelines. 

Tesco recently announced interim results that showed a 2.8% growth in UK sales, and the household name is hoping to use innovative staff training schemes like the one provided by System Training to help boost its efficiency and profit margins. 

Robin Brown, Chief Executive of System Training, said:

“With the new Driver CPC legislation in place, it puts even more emphasis on quality staff training and Tesco are well aware of the benefit this can bring to their operational costs and procedures.  Our training of the Tesco instructors needed to be of the highest calibre to ensure their delivery of the programme to over 3,000 drivers is of a high quality.  With environmentally friendly transport solutions high on everyone’s agenda at present, the driving techniques will not only make the Tesco drivers safer, but will also reduce their carbon footprint.  We have also implemented a very robust audit and review process to ensure the long term success of this relationship.” 

Ends 

Note to Editors:

The Logistics Academy North West (LANW) is based at the University of Cumbria in Carlisle and offers employers in the logistics sector access to quality-assured training to improve the efficiency of their business.  It is one of nine Regional Logistics Academies being established in support of the Skills for Logistics strategy to reduce the skills gap in the logistics sector.  The academy is principally a single point of contact for advice and information to the logistics sector, particularly covering the area of training and development. 

Information created and supplied copyright free by The Inside Line Ltd.

Media contact: Glenn Patterson, m: 07920 548976, e: glenn@the-inside-line.co.uk 

Further information on System Training and their training and workforce development solutions available from Stephanie Norman, t: 01228 574024, e: Stephanie.norman@system-training.com  

Follow System Training on Twitter at www.twitter.com/systemtraining 

The importance of road safety was driven home to apprentices yesterday by leading logistics training provider System Training. 

The firm, who deliver Apprenticeships in Logistics and Driving HGV Vehicles, hosted an event for 30 young apprentices in Carlisle featuring practical demonstrations from police, fire and rescue and motorsport stars as part of national Road Safety Week. 

The training provider’s Driver CPC courses, which are delivered to some of the industry’s major players, already incorporate tuition on driving techniques that help to increase road safety and fuel efficiency and help cut down on HGV-related road traffic accidents. 

System Training has worked closely with Cumbria Constabulary’s Collision Investigation Unit and Fire and Rescue over the past few years on training initiatives to help the emergency services better understand safety issues regarding HGVs and LGVs. 

Issues such as drink and drug driving, speeding, vehicle roadworthiness and blind spots associated with large goods vehicles were in the spotlight in order to support the campaign to raise awareness of safe driving by national road safety charity Brake.

Police from Cumbria Constabulary who attended to talk to the apprentices offered a timely reminder of the dangers on the road as they were almost called away from the event to attend a serious crash on the M6.  In the end they were able to stay on and offer the group advice on a wide range of road safety issues, as well as giving them a closer look at the safety features on a police car and motorcycle. 

A Cumbria Fire and Rescue team gave a practical demonstration of their skills by demonstrating how they cut trapped occupants from a crashed car, while World Rally Championship co-driver Scott Martin talked the youngsters through the safety features on a rally car provided by Cockermouth-based M-Sport. 

The event will support the training they have received from System Training and ensure that when the apprentices go into employment they will be best placed to provide advice that can help address the issues that cause road traffic accidents.

System Training Operations Director Tony Higgins said:“At System Training we are striving, through our range of Apprenticeship programmes, to equip our young people with the skills they need to secure employment and to deliver a high quality of training which ultimately provides an added benefit to their employers.  With our road safety event we have achieved just that and I believe our motor vehicle apprentices may now be some of the most knowledgeable out there.  The information they have covered today will help them pass on a benefit to their customers and help improve road safety in the region.”

System Training Apprentice Scott Horn said:“We’ve learned a lot today, from how we should all be driving safer to how cars should be well maintained to prevent accidents; and that information will be really useful when we start working.  This course is a great way for me to learn new skills while still getting paid – that’s very important for students these days.”

Cumbria Constabulary Police Constable Mike Lazonby said:“It was great to be involved with System Training and their apprentice students.  As well as investigating the cause of accidents, it’s very important for us to also try and prevent them, and that’s what today was all about.  They were a really good audience and we got our message across well; if we can prevent just one accident then it will have been a success.”

Crew Manager Frank Davidson from Cumbria Fire and Rescue said: “The apprentice group really are the perfect target audience for our road awareness training as they fall into the 17-25 year-old bracket that are more likely to be involved in a collision.  Our presentation, backed up by the practical demonstration, was very well received and I’m sure they have all taken away some positives from today.”

A link-up between one of the UK’s leading training providers has reaped dividends for one of the UK largest independently-owned logistics companies.

Carlisle-based System Training was drafted in by TM Logistics to help roll-out an updated training package to its team of 250 drivers across the UK and also develop an internal driver instruction programme. 

TM Logistics handles multi-million pound contracts for some of the world’s biggest brands, and with new Driver CPC legislation having become mandatory in September 2009 meaning that in addition to a driving licence, lorry and bus & coach drivers who drive professionally must now hold a Certificate of Professional Competence that is renewable every five years, the logistics firm wanted to make sure its workforce was not just compliant with the new rules but was trained to the highest-possible standard in order to offer its customers a superior service. 

System Training used its experience of working with other major players in the logistics industry to help TM Logistics recruit and train its own Driver Training Instructors (DTI’s), who after gaining their NVQ Level 2 Driving Goods Vehicle and A1 Assessors course would go on to train the TM Logistics driver pool. 

System Training also assisted TM Logistics with accessing funding to enable the firm to support the delivery of NVQ Level 2 in Driving Goods Vehicle to hundreds of its drivers, as well helping a number of warehouse and fork-lift truck operators to gain their NVQ Level 2 Plant Operations certificate. 

Since the project was delivered System Training, which is part of the Logistics Academy North West, has continued to provide ongoing mentoring and support to TM Logistics’ DTI’s in order to ensure they are fully up to date with the latest techniques and materials. 

As well as benefitting from the up-skilling of its workforce and the efficiencies that has created, TM Logistics is seeking to use its collaboration with System Training to enable it to deliver its own fully-accredited Driver CPC and NVQ courses to clients in the future. 

Graeme Barrett of TM Logistics said:

“From the outset TM Logistics struck a value add business partnership with System Training and the relationship continues to go from strength to strength.  System Training are keen to fully understand the requirements of our business and its people in order to maximise their support for an organisation striving to become recognisably the best logistics service provider in the UK.”  

Paul Spink, Commercial Director of System Training, said:

“System Training share TM Logistics goal to be a leader in the industry and our business model of providing a complete package, rather than just basic training delivery, will certainly be of great benefit to TM and their drivers.  Our expertise in selection, recruitment and training of Driver Training Instructors has ensured a smooth implementation of the programme and System’s ongoing mentoring and support to TM’s instructors is sure to maintain a strong review process and add enhanced value to their business.” 

Ends 

Note to Editors:

The Logistics Academy North West (LANW) is based at the University of Cumbria in Carlisle and offers employers in the logistics sector access to quality-assured training to improve the efficiency of their business.  It is one of nine Regional Logistics Academies being established in support of the Skills for Logistics strategy to reduce the skills gap in the logistics sector.  The academy is principally a single point of contact for advice and information to the logistics sector, particularly covering the area of training and development.  

Information created and supplied copyright free by The Inside Line Ltd.

Media contact: Glenn Patterson, m: 07920 548976, e: glenn@the-inside-line.co.uk

Further information on System Training and their training and workforce development solutions available from Stephanie Norman, t: 01228 574024, e: Stephanie.norman@system-training.com