Logistics Associate Apprenticeship – Level 6 Higher Certificate in Logistics launch

The Logistics Associate Apprenticeship consortium is to launch of the first logistics apprenticeship in DIT Aungier Street on the 26^th of September 2018. The Logistics Associate Apprenticeship – a Level 6 Higher Certificate in Logistics – will be the first non-craft apprenticeship to be offered by DIT and the first of the industry-led apprenticeship programme to be delivered by DIT School of Management, Aungier Street.

This new programme will offer great opportunities to both employers in the freight distribution and logistics sector and employees offering upskilling opportunities for existing employees and attracting new entrants who are looking for vibrant, challenging and rewarding careers.

“The first day in college is a big day for anyone, we are delighted that 30 new apprentices will proudly take their seats in DIT School of Management, looking forward to an exciting career, that will offer them ongoing opportunities as they mix formal education with the skills learned on the job” says Aidan Flynn, Chair of the Consortium.

“We are delighted that the Minister of State for Training and Skills John Halligan TD will be on hand to wish the new apprentices the best of luck and encouragement for a bright future”. The new ‘earn as you learn’ model offers more options to school leavers as well as for existing employees looking to develop their careers. The Logistics Associate apprenticeship, the first in its field has garnered great support from employers and this is vital to the future success of the programme. After all without employers interest this blended learning opportunity will not be sustainable. The programme has been truly industry led and demonstrates where collaboration and goodwill exists a consortium that consists of trade associations, Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI) the IIFA, CILT and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, The Supply Chain Institute (IPICS) and DIT School of Management as well as a number of employers can work effectively delivering a solution for the industry.

Skills Shortage and finding suitably skilled personnel is a challenge for all businesses let alone those in the freight, distribution and logistics sector. The new apprenticeship programme offers employers the opportunity to raise the profile of their business and industry sector and to participate in solutions that will help future proof their business and make it more attractive to young people.

“This new innovative and collaborative industry-led Logistics Associate Apprenticeship programme  directly addresses  many of  the  recommendations in the 2015 Forfás report (EGFSN); Addressing the demands for skills in Freight, Transport, Distribution and Logistics (FTDL) sector in Ireland” says  Declan Allen Assistant Head, School of Management DIT.

By 2020 the government plans to have 72 apprenticeship programmes in operation (currently there are 41 apprenticeship programmes) and 9,000 registrations for apprentices per annum.

The new Apprenticeship will be overseen by the National Apprenticeship Council, while the further education and training authority SOLAS is the lead agency responsible for apprenticeship on behalf of Government, working in close partnership with the Higher Education Authority, Quality and Qualifications Ireland, industry and education and training providers across further and higher education. SOLAS’ responsibility includes maintenance of a national register of employers approved to take on apprentices and a national register of apprentices.

Those interested in finding out more about the new apprenticeship standard should contact 018447516 or email [email protected]