Uni to train top UK talent in logistics

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:52:00 GMT

Novus Trust Logistics Sponsorship Scheme launched in Huddersfield

THE University of Huddersfield is the UK pioneer for degrees in transport, logistics and supply chain management. Now, in partnership with a group of leading companies, it has announced a new sponsorship scheme designed to ensure that greater numbers of top-class students are attracted to a subject that is often under-appreciated, but acknowledged to be a vital element in the health of the economy and which offers excellent career opportunities.

Representatives of 23 companies – including major manufacturers and supermarket giants – attended an event at the University’s new 3M Buckley Innovation Centre which launched the Supply Chain Sponsorship Scheme.

The following companies attended the founding event at the University…

Arla	Asda	ASOS
BiS Henderson	BorgWarner	Ceva
Clipper	Coca Cola	Cummins
DHL	Hermes	J Sainsburys
John Lewis	Lafarge	Lloyd Fraser
Morrisons	Network Rail	Premier Foods
PZ Cussons	Scala Consulting	Tesco
Wincanton

The scheme is designed to ensure that larger numbers of high calibre UK students are attracted to the industry, and it results from an initiative by leading firms in the sector, including BiS Henderson, which is a leader in supply chain recruitment in both the private and public sectors, logistics companies Wincanton, Unipart Logistics and Lloyd Fraser and manufacturer Premier Foods. These companies have come together to form the Novus Trust to manage the scheme through the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

Paul Brooks, Chair of Skills for Logistics and Sales Director at Unipart commented: “The industry requires a new way to attract talent. We’ve got some brilliant people across our industry, and adding to this, the Novus Trust and the University of Huddersfield will create a long-term sustainable difference to our pipeline of leadership talent.”

Students with good A-level results will be eligible to study for a four-year logistics and supply chain management degree at the University of Huddersfield while receiving the backing and mentorship of a sponsoring company, which then guarantees them employment after graduation. See Steve Agg, CEO of Chartered Institute for Logistics and Transport, talk further on the Novus Trust and the problems facing the logistics industry in the video below.

Relevant, industry-focused content

Leading the scheme for the University has been senior lecturer David Leach and he was delighted to have the opportunity to work with Novus on the initiative.

“We have a shared mission to increase both the quality and quantity of young people choosing to study and work in this vital field,” he said. “The demand for our graduates has always significantly outstripped the supply of young people choosing to study the subject. The Novus scheme is a great way for industry and the university sector to work together to encourage more talented young people in to the industry.

“Increased university fees mean that students are now expected to make an enormous investment in their university education. The offer of guaranteed employment at the end of the programme will enable young people to study in this area, confident that they will earn a return on their investment.

It was in the early 1980s that the UK’s first degree in transport and distribution – as the subject was initially known – was established at Huddersfield. It has been sector-leading course ever since, attracting large numbers of overseas as well as UK students.

One of the key components of the programme, from the very outset, has been relevant, industry-focused content within our courses. This now goes hand-in-hand with the concept behind the new scheme, where Novus partners will ensure that the provision is even more closely aligned to industry requirements and ensure that graduates are able to make an immediate contribution to their employers.

Co-Founders of the Novus Trust “Students will benefit from guidance from industry professionals throughout the degree programme,” explains David Leach. “Short and long placements, together with industry-led sessions, will enrich the learning experience and ensure that students develop the personal, professional and technical skills needed to succeed in the workplace.”

Left to right: University of Huddersfield's David Leach, Senior Lecturer, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, is pictured with fellow colleagues Dr Nick Hubbard, Head for Division of Logistics, Transport & Tourism and Associate Dean of The Business School Professor Colin Bamford alongside: