Skills for Logistics (SfL) has launched a scheme to entice former armed forces personnel into the logistics industry.
After being awarded £1.4m from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills’ Employer Investment Fund, SfL are hoping to attract up to 1,000 people leaving the services into a job within logistics.
Its
Military Transitions to Logistics programme will enable SfL to provide a specific route into the sector for ex-Armed Forces personnel.
Chief executive of SfL, Mick Jackson comments: “The sector has a requirement for skilled labour, particularly to fill acute driver shortages.
“Skilled labour exists within the Armed Forces but does not or cannot transfer effectively into civilian job roles. It is this market failure we seek to address.”
Of the 25,000 apprenticeships awarded in the logistics sector between August 2004 and July 2011, 12,000 were awarded within the Armed Forces, suggesting a large pool of talent exists.
“SfL’s solution will ensure these logistics skills transfer into the sector by providing service leavers – who already possess formal qualifications – with necessary work experience, on-the-job training and interview practice to better equip them for a career in the civilian world.”