The Logistics Associate Apprenticeship consortium is extending its Logistics Associate Apprenticeship in the Department of Process, Energy & Transport Engineering, part of the Department of Mechanical Electrical & Process Engineering in the Cork Institute of Technology on 18 September 2019.
In 2018, the Logistics Associate Apprenticeship was developed and launched by TU Dublin along with a consortium made up of industry representatives and trade associations such as the Freight Transport Association Ireland, CILT, IIFA, IPICS and the Institute of Shipbrokers. Like all new ‘earn as you learn’ programmes, the industry need was demonstrated during the proposal and development phases of the project. A key objective of the programme is to take a long-term view of making the freight distribution and logistics sector more competitive for talent, highlight the diverse and exciting career opportunities within the sector and to attract more diversity into the workforce. To support business confidence apprenticeship programmes like this can help deliver personnel, raise awareness of job opportunities and offer an alternative to the traditional higher education route to employment.
The consortium for this apprenticeship has been challenged to manifest the national ethos of the apprenticeship programme as devised by Apprenticeship Ireland. From the outset it was envisaged to deliver the programme first in Dublin and then in Cork. Aidan Flynn, Chair of the Consortium and General Manager for the Freight Transport Association Ireland gave some details about the plan and said: “Cork is a key strategic location for the freight distribution and logistics sector in Ireland with a burgeoning Port Service, one of only two Irish ports which service the requirements of all six shipping modes, i.e. Lift-on Lift-off, Roll-on Roll-off, Liquid Bulk, Dry Bulk, Break Bulk and Cruise. The region has a dynamic mix of multinational companies and SME’s that service the local, national and international regions. We have no doubt that these companies will support the Logistics Associate Apprenticeship in CIT. The Logistics Associate apprenticeship, to date 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 apprenticeship offers 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.”
Michael J O’Mahony, Head of Department of Process Energy & Transport Engineering at CIT and a prominent member of the Logistics Associate Consortium added: “We are delighted that we can now offer the Logistics Associate Apprenticeship here in CIT from this September. This new apprenticeship opens a further route to a career in the Logistics industry by means of this “earn while you learn” type of education. There is a progression route to the Part Time Level 7 Supply Chain and Transport Management (BBus), based in the National Maritime College of Ireland. Further progression is possible on to our existing Transport Management (BSc Honours) level 8 honours degree.”
Key Benefits of the Logistics Associate Apprenticeship for employers:
• Upskilling opportunities;
• Builds loyalty amongst staff;
• Offers career progression opportunities;
• Helps with succession plans for businesses;
• The programme is built around work related experience and work specific projects;
• Attracts new entrants into the industry / opportunity to fill vacancies.
Over 80 new apprentices will start this programme in TU Dublin Aungier Street and CIT in September 2019. At a time when pressure is mounting within industry on operational costs and the threat of Brexit, and skills shortage, this story is one where collaboration and commitment can provide pro-active solutions that will help future proof the sector. By 2020, the Government plans to have 72 apprenticeship programmes in operation (currently there are 52 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.
