Apprenticeship changes welcomed as industry marks National Apprenticeship Week

The Government has cut red tape making some apprenticeships in transport and logistics more viable for the industry.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) welcomed the changes, which include a reduction in the minimum length of an apprenticeship in England from 12 months to eight months.

Businesses will also now be able to decide whether adult learners over the age of 19 when they start their apprenticeship course will need to complete a level 2 English and maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) in order to pass it. 

The RHA has long campaigned for the moves and said firms will have more choice on courses and it will remove barriers to the successful completion of some apprenticeships.

Sally Gilson, RHA policy manager for skills, said: “We’re delighted at today’s announcement which will ensure we can get more people behind the wheel and into other roles in our industry. 

“This is particularly pertinent given that our industry will need 200,000 new lorry drivers in the next five years to service demand and drive growth.

“There are many instances where apprentices have got through the technical aspects of their courses but were held back because they didn’t pass the Maths and English elements.

“We’re therefore pleased that this move will remove those barriers and support people into rewarding new careers in our industry.”

The RHA will continue to campaign for greater flexibility for short courses to be added alongside apprenticeships within the Growth and Skills Levy, she added.

Forging a future in welding at Econ Engineering

To mark National Apprenticeship Week (February 10-16), Econ Engineering says it is committed to supporting the next generation of skilled welders through its apprenticeship programme. 

One of its recent success stories is 20-year-old Olly Merrin, who has just completed his apprenticeship and is now a fully qualified welder at Econ’s Ripon factory.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and creating things,” he said. “I didn’t want to be stuck behind a computer all day, I wanted to be out there, making something real.”

His journey to Econ began when he came across an advert for the company online. His apprenticeship involved working at the manufacturer of winter maintenance and highways vehicles four days a week while studying for a Level 3 qualification in Metal Fabrication at Darlington College. 

“The course was supposed to take three and a half years, but because I could complete all the practical elements at work, I finished in just three,” he said. “That’s one of the great things about learning on the job, you’re constantly improving your skills in a real-world environment.”

Colin Trewhitt, factory manager at Econ Engineering, added: “We’re incredibly proud of Olly and the progress he’s made during his time with us. 

“His hard work and determination are exactly what we look for in our apprentices, and he has a bright future ahead of him.”

Econ Engineering employs more than 20 staff, including two apprentices and four trainees, all of whom are supported in developing key skills for life. 

Staci UK launches degree apprenticeship scheme

Staci has launched a new degree apprenticeship scheme aimed at nurturing the next generation of supply chain professionals in the UK.

As part of the scheme, the multichannel fulfilment expert will invest more than £100,000 in degree-level training, designed to encourage young people to explore careers in logistics.

Following the inaugural roll out this year, Staci plans to expand in subsequent years, with similar traineeship schemes operated globally by parent company Bpostgroup.

Successful applicants will benefit from fully funded apprenticeship training alongside practical, hands-on experience, equipping them to become the next wave of skilled professionals in the field.

The new apprentices will work across a range of areas, including client services, operations, and health and safety, as well as contributing to departments such as Staci Create, sales and marketing, finance, and human resources (HR).

“We are thrilled to launch this apprenticeship scheme,” said Amanda Harvey, HR director at Staci. “Our goal is to provide young people with valuable opportunities in the logistics field, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel. 

“This initiative reflects our commitment to both their personal development and the future of the logistics industry.”