Industry issues in the spotlight at Talent in Logistics
Advice and inspiration on how to tackle some of the key challenges facing the sector was offered last month at Talent in Logistics, a new annual event dedicated to training and development in the transport, warehousing and logistics industries.
Hundreds of visitors took to Telford on 22 June for a packed agenda of conference sessions, an Information Zone – where delegates could network and consult with leading brands from within the industry about best practice and common challenges – and the Talent in Logistics Awards evening, which sought to recognise some of the most outstanding contributions to learning and development in the sector.
With an estimated 588,000 additional workers required over the next six years to support a growing logistics sector, the Talent in Logistics Conference was geared specifically towards providing visitors with development opportunities, to help keep professionals engaged and on their logistics career path.
In addition, conference delegates were encouraged to think about the future of logistics careers with a talk from careers information and guidance provider CASCAID, as well as a session on new standards relating to apprenticeships, delivered by Pearson.
Jobcentre Plus also explained the work taking place within the logistics industry to help tackle the skills shortage by recruiting and retaining employees with disability.
The agenda at the conference also covered a variety of topics around safety within the transport sector, and highlighted the important role that training plays in this.
Popular sessions included charity Brake looking at LGV driver distraction, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) discussing their transport sector strategy, and speakers from National Counter Terrorism Policing looking at how lorry-related terrorism could be prevented.
The National Register of LGV Instructors also educated delegates on need-to-know legislation, regulation and best practice.
A speaker from the HSE also helped visitors understand more about the psychology and influences behind risk-taking behaviour, while charity Mind brought the important topic of mental health to the fore and suggested how employers can help.
On training, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) shared top tips for making strategic learning and development (L&D) work in practice, while Doosan Industrial Vehicle UK explored how MHE training will evolve in the future to help businesses save time and money while reducing risks.
Transaid also demonstrated the importance of quality training, using examples from the economically developing countries where the charity works.
For delegates from commercial training providers there were specific sessions from Dynamix Technology and Struto to help provide ideas and practical advice on effective sales and marketing for training businesses.
The theme of recognition and reward, to help attract new staff and retain existing employees, was a key theme throughout the event, including at the Talent in Logistics Awards, hosted by special guest, stand-up comedian Tim Vine.
15 awards were presented to individuals, teams and organisations which had demonstrated their commitment to quality and going the extra mile.
Winners included LGV Instructor of the Year Mark Liggins from Goldstar Transport Ltd; Pertemps Academy, which won the LGV Driver Training Provider of the Year Award; and Martin Ready from John Lewis Distribution, who received the Driver CPC Instructor of the Year Award.
The Driver CPC Training Provider of the Year Award went to JK Transport Training Services Ltd, while Mair Jones of NPT Homes Ltd won Transport Manager of the Year. Meanwhile Emma Ryan, also from John Lewis Distribution, was named LGV Driver of the Year.
Training/L&D Manager of the Year went to Andy O’Neill from Nagel Langdons Ltd, while XPO Logistics received two awards: their Operational Compliance Training Program won Training Program of the Year, and its Driver CPC Training Team won Training Team of the Year.
Christina Wilcox from Cemex UK Ltd won Apprentice of the Year, having become the first female HGV driver apprentice for the company and the first ever female bulk cement tanker delivery driver in the Cemex UK cement operation.
Event organisers Capitb emphasised the importance of increasing the number of female employees in the sector in tackling the skills crisis, adding that it was “particularly positive to see a number of awards won by women this year”.
Following the success of the event, Capitb has also confirmed that the next Talent in Logistics Conference and Awards will take place at the Telford International Centre on 21 June 2018.
