The road transport industry has welcomed the news that the National Skills Academy for Logistics has at last 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 £3.25m from government, via the Skills Funding Agency, will be match-funded by employers.
Ruth Stone, head of global talent at DHL Supply Chain, which is a supporter of the scheme, says: "We're really pleased it's got its funding. I think it will benefit smaller operators that need help with their processes around skills training most.
"However, as a sector we struggle to get the message across about what the industry actually involves and therefore fail to attract good people into it, so the improved profile the academy should create will help us all."
Ruth Pott, director of employment affairs at the Road Haulage Association, adds: "We're delighted that the national academy has been given the go ahead as it should be a win-win for the entire industry.
"Anything that makes it easier for employers to access funding and qualifications has to be a good thing. Being able to bring everyone together, from those that provide funding to the training companies, colleges and employers seeking training for their workforces, via the academy network, will make life easier for all."
Tony Higgins, director of learning at System Training, which is delivering the new Eddie Stobart Apprenticeship, also welcomed the news. "Anything that heightens the profile of training and development within the industry is a good thing. The academy should also raise the consistency of training delivery across the country, as currently it can be patchy."
A key objective of the orgainsation through its licensed partners programme will be to boost the standard of training provision available to logistics employers as the industry heads towards the Driver CPC deadline in 2014, helping weed out cowboy providers.
