News

Skills for Logistics (SfL) has failed in its attempt to secure government funding to help set up a national logistics academy. The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) says four new National  Skills Academies (NSAs) - enterprise, power, IT and social care - will receive a total of £30m in government funding, matched by the employers that will lead them.

SfL's bid was supported by Palletline Distribution, Unipart Logistics, the Port of Tilbury and the Department for Transport. Mick Jackson, SfL chief executive, says: "It is a disappointment but we have a feedback session with the Government early next week and want to hear what they say. I'm buoyed up with the momentum we have generated so far, and certainly, as a minimum, we will bid in the next round."

The academies deliver training, adapted to the needs of the particular industry sector, to people mainly in the 16-19 age group. Training is offered on site, online and at the colleges. There are already 12 NSAs, of which 10 are up and running and two are in the planning stage.