FROM THE OFFICE OF
WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
Pamela Dennison CILT National Officer in Northern Ireland
STEPPING UP TO THE CHALLENGE The current challenges being faced by our businesses and ourselves has given many of us the prompt to reflect on what the new normal might look like in our professional and home life. The recognition of the importance of our logistics and transport sector and the role that we play in keeping the country moving has shone a spotlight on many areas of great practice and created a warm glow from being part of this great profession. Our purpose is now so well defined in the many great stories of how transport and supply chain colleagues are keeping the country moving, supporting our health service, replenishing supermarket shelves, final mile deliveries, passenger service operations – and all at a social distance.
chains are put under pressure. CILT has created a cross sector collaboration database, providing a service to match organisations together so that those who have capacity can help those in need, by making available staff, vehicles and expertise to support the supply chain.
Many operations have taken a digital leap forward, and thanks to a solid test of our technology in our working and personal lives we are now connecting from our home offices, bedrooms and living rooms in support of operational colleagues who are delivering for all of us.
In support of the CILT Coronavirus Resource Database, Transport Minister Baroness Vere said: “Our response to the coronavirus outbreak is dependent on keeping the UK’s supply chain moving – so that our supermarkets can stay stocked up, and the NHS can access vital medicines. It’s incredible to see people working together to ensure drivers, vans and warehouse space are available to the organisations who need them. This sort of collaboration demonstrates the best of the UK.”
With so much change happening and many challenges still likely to be faced in the near future, gaining qualifications and upgrading skills can be crucial to achieving long term career success. We have had such success over the last few months responding to the pandemic, simply because of the outstanding calibre of people in our profession.
Good Practice Guide
Database
The Good Practice Guide has been developed using examples of good practice that FTA (now Logistics UK) and CILT members have put into practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the rapid pivot in operational needs witnessed due to Covid-19, demands on the logistics sector are soaring as home delivery and pharmaceutical supply
It is designed to be used in conjunction with the official UK government guidance on Safer Workplaces so operators and companies can quickly
ensure they are ready to restart their operations safely.
CILT Competency Framework Through collaboration of stakeholders, this robust and relevant competency framework can help organisations, employers, employees and those considering entering the profession to understand the competencies required for success. This framework actively helps organisations nurture talent, guide those already in the industry and support the next generation; the people who promote profitable solutions and propel the national economy. CILT professional development and qualifications offer you the opportunity to gain professional recognition of your knowledge and experience to advance you in your career. Whether you are starting out or already have several years’ experience, we have qualifications for you. Each qualification has been designed and developed by experienced practitioners, so the content is relevant and the knowledge you gain is immediately transferable to your workplace or career.
Aspire Aspire was created by CILT as one of the many ways to help the next generation. Aspire aims to nurture and help people at the early stages of their career. It provides funded opportunities for education and development to UK and International applicants, helping people who have a desire to further their careers in logistics and transport, but who have difficulty funding their own development. There is so much change happening, and challenges faced by many both now and in the future that gaining qualifications and upgrading skills can be crucial to achieving long term career success. In Northern Ireland, CILT continue to deliver education of our key sectors through local colleges with the commencement of the Assured Skills Academy. Participants in the Academy received six weeks of industryrelevant pre-employment training at Northern Regional College’s Newtownabbey Campus leading to an industry recognised qualification. Successfully completing the course also guarantees a job interviews with local employers. In addition, the launch of the Foundation Degree and top up BSc Hons Transport and Supply Chains programmes being delivered in Full time and Part time learning mode by South West College with The Open University validation. This programme is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. It provides students with a core knowledge and the higher technical skills in transport and focuses on the practical application of knowledge and skills in both the Academic and Work Based Learning components of the programme. Our mission is to add value to individual and corporate members by enhancing their knowledge, careers, and businesses by setting, supporting and delivering professional standards and education and by promoting Logistics, Transport, Operations and their associated supply chains.
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