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BellTIME New Logistics BellTIME Apprenticeship - begin your career as an Apprentice In September 2018 Technology University Dublin (TUD) formally Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) launched Ireland's first ever Logistics Apprenticeship aimed at addressing the skills gap in the freight distribution and logistics industry. Logistics and freight distribution companies from across Ireland have long warned that an acute shortage of suitably qualified logistics workers would lead to significant disruption in the sector, and now, coupled with the several issues surrounding the implications of Brexit, the need to attract and train the next generation of qualified workers is more critical. This new programme offers career options to school leavers and mature students who would prefer to have paid, on-the-job training while studying for a qualification rather than going to college full time. It also creates great opportunities to both employers in the freight distribution and logistics sector and employees offering upskilling opportunities for existing staff and attracting new entrants who are looking for vibrant, challenging and rewarding careers. The Logistics Associate Apprenticeship was announced by the Ministers Richard Burton TD and John Halligan TD in 2017 as part of the government’s Action Plan for Education. The plan aims to double the number of new apprentices registered to 9,000 by 2020 and expand further into new areas. The Logistics Associate Apprenticeship, developed by DIT in conjunction with an industry-led consortium, is in response to a report published by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs in 2015 which found the sector would need up to 15,500 extra skilled workers by 2020. The consortium of businesses and professional bodies supporting the programme, which includes Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI), The Irish International Freight Association (IIFA), Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Ireland, IPICS The Supply Chain Management Institute and an impressive list of employers have been committed to delivering a meaningful, active programme which will deliver the skilled young people to the Irish logistics industry. The Logistics Associate Apprenticeship is a 2 year Level 6 26th September 2018 Higher Certificate in Logistics and is the first non-craft apprenticeship to be offered by Dublin Institute of Technology and the first of the industry – led programmes to be delivered by DIT School of Management. The programme provides structured education and on-the-job training. The apprentices spend one day per week in DIT, with the other four days based with their sponsor host transport company. In addition to ongoing projectwork throughout the 2 year programme, the apprentices must complete a variety of industry relevant modules developed by the consortium which are then assessed to achieve certification. Currently 17 employers and 27 apprentices from across the Freight, Transport, Distribution and Logistics sector are participating in the programme. Apprentices are assigned a workplace Mentor who guides and trains the Apprentice through their journey on this programme. Mentors are individuals with years of industry experience and are trained by TUD to carry out this role. Their responsibility is to ensure that Apprentices hit their makers along the two-year journey and provide knowledge and insight where an Apprentice requires support. Over the two-year programme, students will develop the skills necessary for Logistics Associates, who are responsible for coordinating the movement of goods in a company, including the planning and coordinating of all warehousing and transportation activities in the supply chain. This programme is the perfect entry point into the Freight, Logistics, Shipping and Distribution industries, with broad exposure allowing persons to make a decision about their desired career direction upon completion. The official launch of Ireland’s first ever apprenticeship for the logistics sector hosted by The School of Management Campus of Dublin’s Institute of Technology (DIT) in Aungier Street. The programme will provide the industry with a fresh cohort of graduates equipped with the knowledge required to maintain supply chains and the steady distribution of goods. Declan Allen, Assistant Head School of Management DIT, Aidan Flynn General Manager of FTAI & Chair of the LAA Consortium, John Halligan TD, Minister of State for Training & Skills, Professor Brian Norton – President Dublin Institute of Technology For more information on the Logistics Associate Apprenticeship visit www.laa.ie or email [email protected] The training modules covered by Technology University Dublin are as follows: 27 New apprentices & their employers - First day in college 28 29