15 employees based at Whistl depots in Bolton, Bedford and Bristol are embarking on the new Level 2 Sortation Hub Apprenticeship that was developed in association with the Institute of Couriers. The existing employees have signed up to a yearlong course that will formalise on the job learning into a nationally recognised qualification.
Whistl was one of the ‘employer trailblazers’ that developed the standards for the new Apprenticeship which was approved this year. Funding for the apprenticeship comes from the Apprenticeship Levy. These apprenticeships will be delivered by Whistl’s training provider, Lifetime Training.
Alistair Cochrane, Chief Executive Whistl said:
“I was delighted to be part of the team contributing training material for this new qualification. This is an important qualification for the industry. It recognises the skills required to undertake the roles within our sector which are crucial for the functioning of the logistics sector in the UK.
At Whistl we are passionate about the careers of our employees and want to give everyone an opportunity to enhance their career through training and development. The Sortation Hub Apprenticeship is an important step for our depot-based employees. I look forward to following the progress of our 15 employees over the next year as they navigate the training modules for this course.”
Carl Lomas, Chairman Institute of Couriers said:
“This apprenticeship has been developed to follow every step of the depot process from arrival to sort to despatch. It will play an important role in the development of the careers of these apprentices within our industry.
The Workbook accompanying this apprenticeship has been developed by the IOC members and we are delighted that graduates of this apprenticeship will qualify for Institute membership, further enhancing their career development.”
DWP Senior National Account Manager, Carl Widdowson commented:
“I’m thrilled to have been invited to Whistl to meet the first cohort of Apprentices and I congratulate them on starting their express sortation apprenticeships and wish them all the best for the future.”
