Launching Traineeships for logistics

Skills for Logistics (SfL), has developed Traineeship pilot schemes with Stephenson College and Grantham College, which are due to launch in April.
Traineeships will play a vital role in filling the UK’s Logistics Sector’s skills gap by helping young people who are focused on getting an apprenticeship or sustainable job but do not yet have the skills or experience to compete successfully for vacancies.  They are designed to attract into the Logistics Sector young people who are not currently employed, have little or no work experience, but are focused on work and the prospect of it. For many of these people, apprenticeships are a step too high on the education ladder.

Unlike apprentices, Traineeships are for young people only: those aged 16-19 qualified below National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 3 (A-Level standard); and 19-24 below National Level 2( GCSE grade A-C equivalent). Providers and employers will need to identify a reasonable chance of being ready for employment or an apprenticeship within 6 months of engagement.

Traineeships will last a maximum of six months. The core content will be a high quality work placement and work preparation training, as well as English and maths. The 10-12 week work placement will provide high quality work experience rather than observation or mundane tasks and will be recorded in an activity diary.

A placement reflection at the end of the programme will look at strengths and development needs. Transferable skills will be identified and continuous learning will be required to reinforce acquired skills and look at the next step on the pathway, which may be a formal interview for an actual job, an apprenticeship vacancy or a formal interview from a placement employer for experience.

Individuals completing Traineeships will receive a formal reference together with a sector skills endorsed (employer badge) recognition of participation and achievement and a provider interview to look at progression opportunities

“Traineeships will be suited to those who want to work, but who need extra help to gain an apprenticeship or job. Employers will be at their centre, running the programme or offering high quality work placements in partnership with a trusted provider,” said Dr Ross Moloney, CEO of Skills for Logistics. He added:  “Employers can influence the design of Traineeships in their local area to ensure they provide young people with the skills and attributes that will benefit their business.”