Qualifications in the Express Logistics sector

IOC Chair, Carl Lomas,

Qualifications are key to our sector, both for compliance and future workforce, from driver front line to management. The IOC have been working closely with FE colleges, Universities, LEPs and DfE/IFA, The IOC have a 4 module workbook pack to accompany the express delivery operative level 2 apprenticeship, candidates are funded by levy. Candidates who complete the workbook on their apprenticeship journey are eligible for associate membership of the IOC.

A degree in Express logistics for next generation managers

IOC has two key qualification routes, management & delivery. For management, IOC is working with The University of West London in the Heathrow logistics hot spot and Derby University in the heart of the East Midlands gateway to deliver the first-ever undergraduate degree dedicated to our sector. A level six apprenticeship degree standard passed by the IFA. A level six text book is nearing publication.

An apprenticeship for sortation operatives ST0753

The very latest apprenticeship in Express was published in Nov 2021 for sortation operatives, focused on those working in the sortation hub, depot. IOC worked with operators to build a training plan for this new apprenticeship and a textbook for candidates to use during the 12 months of the course. The textbook begins with ‘what is this thing we call Express?’ the four streams of mail, parcel, food and meal, all delivery to door. Chapters follow a similar path to packages and parcels, early chapters look at goods delivered, then loaded to belt sort, moving to chute, sorting and separated to outbound final mile. There is a chapter on mail licencing and compliance in final mile. A chapter on security looks at threat and theft of parcel. A chapter looks at sort errors, belt failure, chute error, dealing with jams and later looking at maintenance.

An apprenticeship for Express operatives

There is level two apprenticeship for express operatives, it is free to candidates and funded by levy. The ‘Courier Trailblazer’ was a phase three application and evolved into ‘Trailblazer Express Delivery’, the standard submitted to BIS Nov 2015, live apprenticeship qualification in 2019. A full delivery pack for learners, a four workbook reflective journal portfolio to match the standard went live in 2020, rich in employer operator content. Employer support came from APC to Yodel, nationals from Hermes to DPD to SMEs such as Swift in Liverpool and GLH in London.

Justin Moore, chaired the strong employer group meetings talking Express driver operative at Level two.

We have outstanding contributions from so many employers, nationals, networks and local SMEs. The standard that will set the future qualification for the front line of our sector. It’s a big thank-you all round for everyone who has made this possible. This will be a vocational qualification for our front-line teams delivering at the client face.

Workbook modules for the apprenticeship level two, ‘Express delivery operative.'

IOC uniquely built a full learning delivery pack for the express delivery operative apprenticeship. Built with rich levels of operator content, ‘What is this thing we call Express?’ ‘Parcels larger than letters, smaller than pallets’ ‘Same day, next day schedules.’ ‘POB to empty.’ ‘Safe-guarding age related goods from knives to fireworks.’ The learning delivery pack is formed of four module workbooks, they can be completed in the job environment, interactive learning booklets with interpretation boxes for on the job notes, top tip lines from industry. Knowledge to do the job, skills blocks that follow experience in delivery, behaviour focused on brand, integrity and security at the door.

IOC acting EQA for DFT IFA

Ofqual is the official external quality auditor, IOC acting as the sector review body, IOC have built a one hundred question bank for the apprenticeship knowledge test, extensive simulation exercises and a pointer set for the professional discussion module of express delivery operative.

Going beyond the standard for express delivery operative apprenticeship

Candidates who complete the IOC work books with an apprenticeship pass qualify for access to associate membership of the IOC.

Message to schools

IOC deliver key note tuition express sector introductions to schools. Explaining the career stairway in logistics. The schools message for the next generation is key, taking the message of our sector as a career path. IOC have worked very closely with further education, FE, from West Thames College GTA at Heathrow to Buxton & Leek with their Skillbase driver training centre in the homeland of former Sec of State for transport Patrick Mcloughlin.

Jobcentre Plus – SWAP - ‘What is this thing we call express logistics?’

For adults looking at a step into the sector, IOC have worked with DWP Jobcentre Plus to develop a free of charge SWAP, Sector Work Academy Programme targeted at the unemployed entering sortation and express delivery roles.

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