Chairman of the employer group for the Trailblazer degree, Justin Moore, CitySprint commented,

This is excellent news, the employer group will review the standard at the IOC heads of industry event Oct 18, I urge you to be there and be part of the sector's future, this is a game changer for both recruitment and existing success of our express management teams.

Derby Univ deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Bruce comments,

The University of Derby welcomes this step for a degree apprenticeship in Express management. Derby will compliment the qualification with units from its existing undergraduate programmes. Our University is in the heartland of the East Midlands; a hot-spot for logistics in the D2N2 inspirational postcode.

 Liza Strong Royal Mail

Express degree apprenticeship green light is great news for the whole sector. This will provide a clarity for individuals looking to take a step into mail and courier as their future career.

Sarah Maddox, Head of HR at UK Mail Group

This is excellent news, and promotes employee development and progression within the sector at degree level

Extract of the letter in from the Department for Education.

RE: EXPRESSION OF INTEREST to develop a new apprenticeship standard

I am pleased to confirm that you have been given approval to develop an apprenticeship standard covering the following occupation:

·         Express Delivery Manager

The reference number assigned to this standard is ST0471.

David Sampson

Head, Standards Development Team, DfE Apprenticeships Directorate

The IOC has acted as secretary to the employer group for express qualifications in Express trailblazer working closely with DfE, employers, large and small, national to SME.

Esther Horner is relationship manager for the group. The group sits often and communicates around the table and by email. Level two Express is at standard working towards end-point assessment for front-line delivery, developed with employers across the sector including APC, DX, FedEx and UK Mail.