A thriving Logistics Skills Conference was attended by students and employers at our Skills + Logistics Centre, Feltham Campus on Tuesday 30 January. It was a stimulating day with an action-packed timetable of student activities focusing on the exciting pathways in the Logistics sector.
We were pleased to see hundreds of students and some of our local logistics partners attend to shine a light on the Logistics sector, otherwise a sector that is not often known about amongst young people. We are fortunate to be able to create such good opportunities for students to find out the pathways and skills they need for a successful Logistics career, most of which are a stones’ throw away from our Skills + Logistics Centre in Feltham.
The event was officially opened by Shadow Minister for Skills and MP for Feltham and Heston, Seema Malhotra, who joined us virtually from Parliament, and highlighted the exciting opportunities in nearby Heathrow.
Seema Malhotra said: “Heathrow England is the centre of logistics expertise that grows as a global leader in a global economy. It is important that we share today with our fellow learners, family, and friends so that we can continue to grow the local economy and opportunities for you all.
The culture of West Thames College is a relationship for a lifetime. Wherever you end up, there will always be an environment of support for you.”
Students visited a range of engaging career presentations from industry professionals such as TVS Rico Logistics, Flannery Plant Logistics, DayBookPro and ProCom. Students also took part in a fork lift and pallet challenge at our outdoor logistics workshop, which taught them the practical skills needed for loading and moving parcels.
Students also took part in a masterclass with industry experts Carl Lomas, Logistics Skills Alliance, Dr. Tracey Worth, University of West London, Rob Andrew, Department of Work and Pensions, and John Rock, Army Royal Logistics Corps, who shared their years of knowledge and explained the level of qualifications and skills required in the sector, as well as the managerial and higher-level jobs available.
Our apprenticeship team was present to showcase the different apprenticeship offerings available at West Thames College, including Freight Forwarding and Delivery Operative.
Logistics was identified as a priority skills area in the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and we are leading the Logistics strand of this plan with funding from the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF).
The transport and logistics sector is larger in West London than anywhere else nationally, making our Skills + Logistics Centre the prime location for many different opportunities on the doorstep for our students. With this in mind, hosting this event was a vital stepping stone to sharing the information and guidance that will help shape our students’ future pathways in employment and further education.
Tracy Aust, CEO & Principal, West Thames College, said: “I am delighted that we were able to host our Logistics Skills Conference at the Feltham Skills + Logistics Centre. The event was a real success, and it gave logistics employers the opportunity to share information with hundreds of our students about the breadth of career pathways available within the sector and the skills needed.
“It was great that Seema Malhotra (MP) was able to support the occasion with a virtual keynote to get the day started. Thank you to Carl Lomas and Dr. Tracey Worth for their continued support via the Logistics Skills Alliance and the Institute of Couriers, as well as to all of the employers who gave their valuable time to share their knowledge and experience with students and staff.
This is only the beginning in terms of addressing the skills needs in Logistics, and I am confident that with continued collaboration we can make a real difference.”
To find out more about our courses in logistics, please click here..
