27 Aug We Are Open!

We’re delighted to announce the official launch this September of Logistics Skills Network, the first independent trade association for the UK’s specialist training providers, delivering skilled key-workers for logistics and passenger transport.

Logistics Skills Network was borne as a result of the curtailment of training provision during the pandemic, where it became clear that the interests of providers, and the employers they train for, needed a collective voice when dealing with government departments and agencies.

Training providers deliver essential training to the majority of the labour force in logistics and passenger transport, helping to tackle drastic skills shortages and keep the country ticking over.  During the pandemic, the DVSA suspended driver testing for vocational drivers, causing the mainly small, regionally-based training schools to suspend training.

“At last, a collective voice for vocational driver training providers.  Anyone who is frustrated with the present state of the industry should join this Network. Together we can make a difference.” Ruth Wallace

Not only did this exacerbate the already-chronic shortage of LGV and PCV drivers but also put the industry at longer term risk should these schools fail permanently.

Says David Coombes, Chief Executive of Skills for Logistics and Co-Founder of Logistics Skills Network, “The transport and logistics industry has demonstrated great resilience during the last 6 months, principally due to its highly committed and professional people.  Now, more than ever, they need to be supported by specialist vocational training providers that reflect the skills gaps and digital requirements of our post-Covid world.  The Logistics Skills Network will support and promote the need for high quality training and ensure ongoing recognition across the UK wide audience”.

The key aims of the new Network are to bring together key organisations from the sector to develop and share best practices, initiatives, knowledge, experience and resources, and offer a communication platform for the coordination of collective interests.

“The Logistics Skills Network will support and promote the need for high quality training and ensure ongoing recognition across the UK wide audience.”  David Coombes

The DVSA’s Senior External Affairs Manager, Mike Warner, is keen to support the development of the new trade body “Logistics Skills Network has great potential and good geographical reach, representing the gap in the stakeholder map. The DVSA is looking forward to building on our new relationship to pioneer the development of the Logistics Skills Network. We will collaborate with the Network in our service development plans and ensure active engagement for member representation.”

Ruth Wallace runs Wallace School of Transport, the largest vocational driving training provider covering the South East and London and was one of the first to sign up for membership, “At last, a collective voice for vocational driver training providers.  Anyone who is frustrated with the present state of the industry should join this Network. Together we can make a difference.”

Members will benefit from representation by the Network, which intends to work closely with government organisations such as the DVSA and DfT, and will also receive guidance in the form of strategic support from industry leaders, regular networking events and commercial benefits from sponsors, Train Sure and Driving Test Success.

Membership is available for independent training providers and also for in-house training departments of fleet operators.  Membership queries to info@logisticsskillsnetwork.co.uk 0117 927 8807