Logistics Training Provider Helps Drive Apprenticeship Success

Chamber Chief Executive, Clive Memmott, was guest speaker at the May WTG event to recognise the achievements of apprentices in the logistics and automotive sector.

Chamber Chief Executive, Clive Memmott, was guest speaker at the May WTG event to recognise the achievements of apprentices in the logistics and automotive sector. The event took place at Mantra Learning Ltd's Logistics Research and Innovation Centre, based in Middleton, and celebrated the achievements of five individuals who had completed apprenticeship programmes focusing on logistics, fork lift truck driving, and warehousing and storage.

pictureCommenting on the event, Clive Memmott said: "The logistics sector is vital to the North West economy and overall, has held up well over recent times of austerity. Yet the sector is still facing a skills gap, like many other industries in our region. We must invest in our future workforce by taking on more apprentices and giving our young people the valuable skills and solid start that has the potential to shape the rest of their lives."

Clive continued: "The Chamber has consistently championed apprenticeships and the welcome shift towards vocational education has been long overdue. I can think of no better way of improving the performance of a business than by investing in apprentices. Research tells us that a trained worker is, on average, 23% more productive than an untrained worker, and for every additional £1 spent on training, you gain a £2 return in additional value."

Mantra Learning Ltd is part of the Warehouse Technology Group, and the presentations were part of a two-day event focusing on ‘Productivity and Efficiency in the Warehouse'. The Mantra team took the opportunity to show attendees the unique, fully-functional warehouse, and the technology at work in a real-world environment. The warehouse showcases the products and services of industry-leading companies in the sector and attracted 80 visitors from the industry.

Commenting on the apprenticeship programmes at the Mantra facility, Mark Currie, Executive Director at Mantra Learning, said: "It is always a pleasure to celebrate the success of our young people and to see them embarking on successful careers in the logistics industry. With an aging workforce it is vital that businesses invest in developing a skilled workforce for the future. Mantra has completed over 350 apprenticeships since 2007 and our 79% success rate is well above the national average. We also train unemployed people through our Job Gym and over the last six months we have helped 150 job seekers back into work."

Mark continued: "I am pleased to see that the Chamber is championing apprenticeships. With over one million 16-24 year olds currently out of work our future labour force is under threat. Research shows that if someone has been frequently unemployed as a teenager, by the age of 42 they will be earning between 12 and 15% less than their peers. By taking on an apprentice you are not only giving a young person valuable skills and qualifications you are also giving them a solid start that will shape their entire life."

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