CILT welcomes increase in transport apprenticeships

The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT) welcomes the announcement of a £250 million a year increase in funding for adult apprenticeships to 2014-15.

In a recent letter to the Business Secretary, Vince Cable, the Institute called for a significant increase in apprenticeships. CILT Chief Executive Steve Agg says: "We are pleased that the Government has listened to our views and acknowledged the need for a skilled workforce.

"We now look forward to seeing some of this money being ring-fenced for passenger and logistics apprenticeship schemes and will be making further representations to the Department for Business to ensure this happens."

In a recent CILT member survey on higher education and apprenticeships, results revealed that the top priority for 52 per cent of members who responded, was to encourage jointly funded Government/industry initiatives to increase apprenticeships. And 41 per cent said that current apprenticeship funding must be reserved in order to provide for the forthcoming skills shortages which had been identified, such as HGV drivers and warehouse personnel.

Institute president, Sir Moir Lockhead OBE, said: "CILT welcomes today's announcement of an increase in funding for apprenticeships. We believe that we cannot afford a 'lost generation' either in terms of financial cost or the skills loss."