The Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s (IFATE) approval of the drivers’ C+E apprenticeship is recognition of much hard work by FTA, which speaks for the logistics industry, in partnership with the Apprenticeships Trailblazer Group.

However, as Sally Gilson, Head of Skills Development at FTA, explains, there is still much more work that needs to be done to insure the future workforce for such a vital industry:

“FTA has been collaborating with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) for some time to find a route for both Cat C and Cat C+E licences, and today’s announcement is the culmination of more than two years’ complex and intensive negotiations. We are delighted that the IFATE has heard our call for a viable apprenticeship standard against which young people can train for a career in logistics, and will now continue work on developing an Urban Operative standard which will provide the two paths the logistics industry desperately needs.

“However, many logistics businesses will not ever be able to draw down all the funds they paid into the Apprenticeship Levy as apprenticeships do not meet all the needs of our sector. So, while today’s announcement is welcome news, Government still needs to reform the Levy to enable it to pay for all forms of training.

Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to Government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.