Institute of Couriers is putting express logistics in the spotlight for National apprenticeship Week. IOC will be delivering news on the latest updates for the express apprenticeships published by DFE IFA for express courier sector, levy paid apprenticeship for Express at L2 for front line workers

IOC have built a gold-plated delivery package of four modules of learning for the couriers, rich in operator content, sector top tips and work examples - it includes an interactive on-the-job learning workbook journal to help our couriers grow their knowledge, skis and behaviours.

A similar package for sortation is just behind, and we have the Express manager degree apprenticeship. COVID bounced the first manager starts back, but West London University is set to start the degree in March 2022; they are taking names.

Following big recruitment drives during the lockdowns, IOC has worked with DWP and Job Centre plus to build a short intro course, 40 hours of ‘What is this thing we call Express?’ delivered UK-wide, aimed at introducing our sector to new candidates before interview. A stepping stone into Express.

Education for the next generation workforce is a core value at the IOC. THis week is National Apprenticeship Week; it's time to showcase and celebrate some of the excellent qualifications and training materials available to the sector.

The IOC-built, four-module training packs are ready for nationwide delivery by colleges and private training providers to depots and delivery drivers near you.

You will find lots of signposts and detail for the Express Qualifications on the IOC web, or call Tracey Worth for a detailed update on 07976 263745

Our most famous transport apprentice for 2020

Rasin Khayaguli City of London corporation. ‘EV final mile’

Apprentice Minister Andrew Stephenson to interview Rasin

Rasin will talk final mile EV at TfL for LoCITY meeting Tuesday.

IOC will launch Apprentice Week showcasing apprentice & National Courier Awards winner, Rasin Khayaguli. Rasin works in the transport department at the City of London Corporation, he is the apprentice focused on clean air final mile transport for the City.

During Apprentice Week Rasin will deliver an EV final mile clean air key note at the TfL LoCITY virtual round table on Tuesday Feb 9th at two pm. He tops that with an interview set with Apprenticeship Minister Andrew Stephenson to talk transport opportunity to our next generation.

IOC will be hot on the Tweets Tuesday, be sure to help and forward the news for our our whole sector with a re-Tweet.

Take a look at our star apprentice on video, we have a snapshot extract special from the broadcast quality National Courier Awards filming, Tracey Worth introduces Rasin in the City of London at Guildhall Yard with one of the Nissan EV vans. Click here to view.

DPD launch school logistics learning pack for Apprenticeship Week

A final mile Electric Vehicle road safety & clean air teacher and student pack

Talking to schools about Final Mile, road safety and clean air.

During Apprenticeship Week DPD will be showcasing their new school support clean air vehicle learning packs. The packs are free of charge and comprise a candidate learning pack and a teacher resource instruction set. Introducing final mile, last mile to school generation and focusing on road safety and clean air solution for delivery vehicles. DPD are making the packs free of charge for schools. To get the interactive pack to a school near you, email Ashlee Field at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

IOC Chairman carl Lomas talks 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 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.

For more apprenticeship detail in express courier go to www.ioc.uk.com and click the education in express bubble