Delivery Material for Express Apprenticeships

The Institute of Couriers has developed an extensive learner package for the Level 2 Express delivery qualification.

The Institute of Couriers acted as the secretariat to the sector employer group that built the Express apprenticeships, work followed to support open access delivery material based on a wide input of sector operators.

The first stage was to second-layer and third-layer map the end-point assessment index, bringing great employer operator detail.

The second step was to add content below the third layer of indexing for actual delivery.

Operators extensively requested the L2 material be paper-based, recognising the fact that the driver has limited access to computer opportunities in the final mile workplace. A four-module workbook pack is the result.

The level two standard was granted in the final days of 2016 and the L6 degree apprenticeship published in October 2019. The first end-point assessment organisation RTITB came on-line Nov 2019. Funded under levy, the Express qualifications from driver to management are now available.

Learner Journal booklet for level 2 express delivery operative

Two hundred knowledge checker questions, top Tips from operators, case studies, every unit indexed with learning material from skills to knowledge and behaviours.

Express delivery driver Level 2 (ST0103)

Standard ST0103 approved for delivery May 2018. Funding band announced 17 Aug 2018. First EPAO RTITB appointed Nov 2019.

IOC has indexed the Standard and assigned titles, (TO FT SA &c) as found in the EPA.

The IOC provides delivery and learning material for Express delivery operative

A learning journal of delivery material for L2 apprenticeship ‘express delivery operative’ ST0103

The Institute of Couriers, IOC acted as secretary to the operator group that formed the standard and end-point assessment for the Dept of Education's IFA apprenticeship in the Express Trailblazer group.

The IOC were instrumental in indexing the apprenticeship units, then forming two sub -evels of index of the units, from there the learning material was written. Learning material draws on input form a wide range of operators. Its vocationally focused and rich in real world learning in the sector with strong case studies showcasing sector excellence.

The Learning material is formed into a printable pdf learning journal made up of four modules. The modules focus on the apprenticeship assessment themes of knowledge, skills and behaviour and are separated to match the end point assessment of simulation, professional discussion and knowledge questions.

For the candidate, each module stands alone and can be completed individually. Module One, ‘Understanding Express delivery’ consists of seven knowledge units extracted from the apprenticeship and makes an excellent introduction for any candidate considering this sector as a future career.

Unit one, TO1 of module one of the learning journal can also be used as a stand alone special short course as a pre apprenticeship introduction to sector which can be sliced into a short four week course.

The learning modules are almost a one stop shop. They can be printed as a workbook or learning journal. A Candidate is expected to complete their own reflective notes in boxes provided. Case studies follow the unit learning and each module has a question test section called the knowledge checker.

There are a small number of external references for further reading such as, ‘Brief history of Express courier’ IOC, and the ‘Highway Code’ DFT. Completing each module is a detailed cross reference map to the whole unit.

Methodology of the Express delivery operative learning journal

The L2 Trailblazer published May 2018 qualification has three methods of assessment, a multi choice test of knowledge, a role simulation (choice of 6) and a professional discussion. The learning lens is split between, knowledge, skills and behaviours.

IOC has indexed the Standard and assign titles (TO FT SA etc) in accordance with the EPA. In the learning journal lies a further sub index which expands the deliverable module titles to the standard, e.g. TO 1.1 range of services in express – the index steps to a third level expansion forming the actual learning material in blue text. Various express companies are named and formed into case studies. A variation of themes are available focused on express parcel, e-retail. Food final mile, post and mail.

The learning journal us indexed in a block of four modules. Module one & two, ‘Introduction to Express’ is knowledge focused, and aims towards a multi choice test. Module three aimed at the simulation material includes knowledge, skills and behaviour. Models four also includes behaviours and mind sets aimed towards a future professional discussion.

The delivery modules are formatted to be used electronically or to print and form a paper-based learning journal, the candidate responsible for the journal, writing their own notes in it and using the journal as a revision item. The journal is expected to be completed both in the classroom and workplace.

Example of training material

Module One, Unit 1 extract. Technical Operations, (TO)

TO 1.0 - Range of express delivery services offered to domestic and business customers; concept of ‘the last mile’, deliveries of all types of goods, care of perishable items, collections and returns across multiple brands, services, concept of reverse logistics

TO 1.1 Express delivery defined

TO 1.1.1 Concept of ‘the last mile’
Extract - Express Delivery is about urgent, timed delivery, from customer order to delivery at the required location. It applies to any goods; from ammunition to spectacles, food to medical supplies, whether purchased online or from store. The ‘last mile’ is the final stage of the delivery, where the goods are given to the customer. This completes a sequence of sortation and transportation which lead to the goods being in the delivery vehicle, ready to be given to the customer at the agreed time.

TO 1.1.2 Express delivery services
Extract - Includes any movement of goods that require urgent, timed delivery. That can be a delivery from a manufacturer, retailer or seller, through the sortation and transportation hub, to a local final delivery destination. Express delivery services are almost all carried out by ‘third parties’ that is by organisations whose business is the provision of express delivery services to manufacturers, retailers or online businesses. The focus of express delivery is the delivery of items to the end user as soon as possible. In recent years, ‘next day’ delivery has become the standard for non-food items. Customer delivery preferences, for example whether delivery is required next day or in three days, always set the requirement that the express delivery organisation must meet.

TO 1.1.3 Key Terms used in express delivery

 The latest Standard and EPA documents at Level 2 are in the Express Apprenticeship Standards area here

Express manager, degree Apprenticeship Level 6

Standard ST0471 agreed July 2017 – EPA published Nov 2019 – First delivery expected March 2020 by University of West London.

At the delivery material heart is Logistics service providers LSPs, delivery network bandwidth, operating capacity and urban density, all key issues in the delivery of the customer promise of 'on time, first time' .

Express Manager Degree 3 years – Block release with mentor input both from operator and academic lens.

Syllabus outline extracted for EPA can be found here

Options inside the delivery of the degree

Transport Manager Certificate of professional competence. L3 (body of knowledge overlap) (40 hours)

600-4286-2 OCR l3 certificate of professional competence (road haulage)

FORS Practitioner certificate. L4

Fork truck certificate of training FLT

Certificate for site - CSC card

English and maths requirements as per Standard.

Gateway to End Point assessment

6k word project

Viva, presentation.

Completed and able to register for Fellow Institute of Couriers

A brief history of the evolution of the Express Manager standard

Published in August 2017 following an EOI with BIS in 2016. The End-point assessment (EPA) was submitted in May 2018 and published for delivery Nov 2019. A document defining the headline terms was published by IOC June 2018, Close partners are West London University and Derby. LMU, SHU & MMU are involved, giving wide UK coverage for the qualification for next-generation managers. The Institute of Couriers is acting as the EQA assessor.

 The latest EPA and Standards documents at Level 6 are in the Express Apprenticeships Standards area here