Page 27 - Linkline Spring 2017

Upskilling the Future
With a programme of over 40 courses targeting key skills shortages in the logistics, transport and supply chain industry, CILT Skillnet programme aims to grow its network substantially and provide even greater opportunities and savings for members.
Jerry Meredith, Education Services O cer, CILT
CILT
Chartered Institute
of Logistics & Transport
In 2015 the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation published a report by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. Focusing on the anticipated expansion in the freight transport,
distribution and logistics sector (FTDL), the report predicted that 13,500-15,000 job vacancies would become available in the industry in the next five years. However, what appeared to be a very positive outlook was hampered by one key issue – the lack of skills to meet this demand.
When, a year later, a new National Skills Strategy was published, stressing the need for strong co-operation between employers and the education system, the Institute saw an opportunity to respond. Keen to address the skills gap in our industry by providing relevant training that would benefit employers and the economy, we registered to become a training provider under the Skillnets Training Networks Programme.
Established in 1999, Skillnets is funded from the National Training Fund (NTF) through the Department of Education and Skills (DES). It actively works with businesses in Ireland to address their current and future skills needs, with the belief that training and up-skilling are key elements in keeping Irish companies competitive.
In essence, Skillnets fund groups of companies in the same region or sector, and with similar training needs. This happens through training networks, such as our own CILT Skillnet programme, which deliver subsidised training to Irish businesses. The effect is two-fold: employers’ needs are addressed through the preservation of current jobs while the enhancement of new skills helps generate new roles. The needs of those that are unemployed are also addressed by providing integrated training with employees, as well as conversion courses and work placements in areas of employment potential.
Since agreeing a contract with Skillnets in 2016 the Institute has created a programme of over 40 short courses targeting key skills areas in the logistics, transport and supply chain industry. Students can choose from six study areas at present:
• Professional development training.
• Employee safety, health and wellbeing training
programmes.
• Logistics, transport and supply chain programmes. • First aid F.A.R. (QQI, PHECC) training programmes. • Safety, health and welfare management training
programmes.
• Instructor and assessor training programmes.
Our courses vary in type (from fork-lift training to conflict management) and duration (courses range from one day to one week in length). We also provide many QQI accredited courses, such as the QQI Level 6 Employment Law course, which ensures staff receive a recognised training certificate that will benefit both them and the company they work for.
Our Skillnet courses deliver teaching to the highest educational standards, and assessment is carried out on each course to ensure participants are benefitting from the training. For example, to attain a QQI Level 5 Safety Representation Certificate candidates must complete two assignments and sit a 90 minute examination.
CILT Skillnet has been in full operation since September 2016 and has already established a network of 60 companies nationwide. These members are from all areas of the transport, logistics and supply chain industry, and through collaboration with each other can access the training they want at an affordable price.
The main advantage for those that join our Skillnet programme is the significant grant subsidy they can avail of for training – registered companies can get up to 20% off courses which support their staff’s development needs. The system operates on the basis that the more companies interested in attending a specific type of training course the greater the financial saving. This, coupled with no fee to join the CILT Skillnet network, means it’s a great opportunity for businesses keen to expand their training.
The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport 27
CILT SKILLNET