Posted: 12/04/10
College to promote careers in logistics
An event aimed at promoting careers and training opportunities in the logistics industry is being staged at Newark Showground next week.
A Logistics Academy Day takes place on Tuesday 20 April when people can find out more about working in the sector, which includes freight driving, fork-lift truck driving and warehousing, while businesses can speak to expert advisors about training plans.
It runs from 1pm to 4pm and visitors can try out a HIAB fork-lifting simulator and a new state-of-the-art HGV driving simulator which uses realistic software to imitate driving along mountain sides and icy road conditions.
They can also enjoy a ride in a 25-metre-long ECO-LINK vehicle being demonstrated by Lincoln-based Denby Transport Ltd. The lorry is designed to replace three standard articulated lorries and reduce carbon emissions.
Meanwhile, employers will be given a demonstration of how to reduce freight operating costs through carbon reduction strategies, as well as learn ways to improve business performance. Businesses will also hear about the benefits of employing apprentices.
Mick Jackson, chief executive of Skills for Logistics, will discuss the impact that the sector skills council is having on the freight logistics industry.
Exhibitors will include Business Link, Chesterfield College, North Nottinghamshire College, New College Nottingham, the National Apprenticeship Service, VOSA, the Merchant Navy and RAF, along with employers and training providers in the logistics industry.
The event is being held on behalf of the Logistics Academy East Midlands – one of nine being established across the country to provide quality, industry-relevant training and learning programmes to employers in the logistics sector.
West Nottinghamshire College is the lead organisation for the regional academy, which is based at its Construction and Logistics Skills Academy in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
Craig Done, business development manager at the Logistics Academy East Midlands, said: “Logistics is one of the largest industries in the UK and, despite the recession, continues to provide many employment opportunities.
“We’re proud to be leading the way in helping employers in the sector to move forward with training programmes that will up-skill their workforce and provide them with valuable qualifications, which give them recognition in their field.
“The event is aimed at raising awareness of the sector and enabling employers and the public to discover more about training options and the careers available to them.”
People can just turn up to the event, where free car parking will be provided.
