Express delivery driver Apprenticeship trailblazer gets green light.

Cheryl Hodson, BIS/DfE Apprenticeship Directorate.

Thank you for submitting the Express Delivery Driver Assessment Plan. I am pleased to confirm that the Secretary of State has now approved the plans subject to the feedback.

Justin Moore, CitySprint and Employer chair for the Express delivery employer group,

This is tremendous news for express and courier sector, standard agreed and the assessment plan in outline, BIS publication expected within the month.  It has been a team effort for our sector, APC to UK Mail and most every letter of the alphabet between, this has been a group rich in employers, steadfast in a vision for our front line express drivers.

Carl Lomas IOC chair, acting as secretary to the group,

Big thank-you all round, particularly Pearson Edexcel for their drive on the assessment plan, the funding allocation for each apprentice will fall in band two, BIS report a total possible government contribution including all incentives set at £4,900 per candidate. BIS feedback detailed a requirement to attain licence, apprentices will fall into different categories from walking post to heavy van network, the apprentices will be graded at the end of their qualification and judged on an industry standard platform that will be comparable across nationals, networks and regional operations. This will provide a legacy to our sector in the foundation of our next-generation workforce.

A date fellows should not miss - Heads of Industry, Heathrow - June 14, IoC Heads of Industry fellows will sit at the table to discuss the express trailblazer delivery options providing a solution to the logistics workforce. BIS funding allocation and Govt levy. The event is free to fellows, but you must reserve your space with Tracey Worth 07976 263745. Focus discussions will also include LoCity, TfL and TfGM freight. The event hosted by Tracey Aust, principal of West Thames College, Heathrow is a must-not-miss for heads of industry, the network lunch will be free of charge.