DHL Supply Chain has partnered with Birmingham City University to develop the UK’s first Foundation Degree in Logistics. The initial three-year course is open exclusively to employees of DHL Supply Chain’s Automotive team. By 2012 it will be extended to other sectors within DHL, as well as other companies in the Logistics industry.

With the first intake having started in early February, the syllabus provides a solid understanding of the principles of logistics and an appreciation of how logistics decisions impact the business as a whole. Run by Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment, the course will run part-time with eight hours of teaching per week. Assessment will take place throughout the degree through a mixture of course work assignments and in-class examinations.

Professor Hastings McKenzie, associate dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Birmingham City University, said: “We are delighted to partner with DHL, the market leader in the industry, to create a tailored qualification which we believe will provide students with a better understanding of how to manage logistics in an attempt to improve competitiveness.”

Paul Dyer, UK managing director & global sector leader DHL Automotive, added:

“Helping our staff up-skill through a formal qualification programme will directly enhance our workplace skills. Our business strategy is to build on our number one market position and having the best qualified staff is fundamental to helping us achieve this. Ultimately, a highly skilled and motivated workforce will enhance the relationships we have with our customer base.”

DHL is actively looking to partner with other educational establishments across the country, with the aim of equipping its staff with the transferable skills highly valued by its customers.

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