Clipper Logistics is working with West Nottinghamshire College to tailor-make 100 apprenticeships in logistics to staff at its Ollerton-based logistics academy.
The opportunity to create the apprenticeships was borne out of the 100 Apprenticeship Campaign for Newark and Sherwood which was launched in January 2013, and was delivered in partnership by the Council and the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS).
The academy was launched today (24 February) and attending the event was the Mayor of Ollerton and Boughton, Irene Miller; MP for Sherwood Mark Spencer and Councillor Dennis Jones, chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council and other dignitaries.
The academy follows in the success of the company’s first logistics academy at its Wynyard site in Tyneside last year.
Working closely with NAS and Newark and Sherwood District Council - who provided funding towards recruitment for the enlarged facilities – the apprenticeship drive was the result of the Ollerton site expansion in 2012 when warehousing space doubled in size. This prompted a need for more staff to be employed to meet future logistics demands.
Current members of staff will be starting their NVQ Level 2 Warehousing Apprenticeships at the newly-created academy, to provide them with industry-recognised qualifications, together with additional support in literacy and numeracy where needed.
Clipper has major contracts at the site for retail and online fulfilment with well-known companies such as ASDA, Wilkinson and John Lewis.
Managing director of Clipper Logistics, Tony Mannix said: “As part of Clipper’s evolution we’ve invested in staff training at all levels - from our warehouse operatives and drivers through to our graduate and management development programmes.
“The benefits of this investment are evident in our ability to grow our own talent. We’re giving people the skills and knowledge to perform their jobs to ever higher standards, preparing our staff for the future development of their roles and enabling them to grow within the company.”
Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, Cllr David Lloyd said: “We’re delighted to have worked alongside Clipper Logistics, the National Apprenticeship Service and West Nottinghamshire College to support the launch of the apprenticeship academy, which will lead to staff gaining a nationally recognised qualification within their industry area. The Council will continue to support Clipper with future recruitment and training needs, alongside partners, to benefit the local area.”
Head of business development at West Nottinghamshire College, Roy Pearce said: “We’re proud to support Clipper’s workforce development and by tailor-making these apprenticeships to suit the individuals within logistics, we’re confident that the organisation will be well-placed to meet the continually changing demands of a complex business.”
Director for Employer and Provider Services of the Skills Funding Agency, Karen Riley said: “I’m delighted that Clipper’s expansion is resulting in more Apprenticeships and I look forward to working with Newark and Sherwood District Council to continue growing the number of Apprenticeship vacancies in the area.”
Caption 1
Watching apprentices Helena Solan and James Hennell are (l-r) Irene Miller Mayor of Ollerton and Boughton Council, Geoff Burn director of Linden Management, Craig Toms, Regional HR operations manager Clipper, Richard Kisgory NAS employer accounts manager, Amanda Petrie business development manager Linden Management, Roy Pearce associate director of business development at West Nottinghamshire College.
Caption 2
(l-r) Craig Toms, Regional HR operations manager Clipper, apprentice Helena Solan, apprentice James Hennell and Roy Pearce associate director of business development at West Nottinghamshire College.