Founded in 2012 by Andy Kaye, CEO of Bis Henderson Group, Novus is an not-for-profit collaborative venture between leading blue-chip companies and prominent Universities: 

1. Arden University (mainly remote)
2. Aston University (Birmingham)
3. Cardiff University
4. University of Derby
5. University of Huddersfield
6. University of Hull
7. University of Lincoln
8. Middlesex University London
9. Northumbria University Newcastle
10. Coventry University

What is Novus?

The scheme is designed to attract, inspire and develop the next generation of supply chain professionals. At present, only limited numbers of students choose to study logistics at degree level, with demand for graduates outstripping supply. Novus leverages company brands and unique benefits to act as a strategic solution to the skills shortage in the sector.

The programme has cross-sector support, with retailers, manufacturers and logistics companies on board. Novus is managed by a steering committee, drawn from senior leaders of sponsoring companies. The organisation is governed by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK), the membership organisation for professionals involved in the movement of goods and people and their associated supply chains.

Novus works exclusively with courses that offer an industrial placement, which is facilitated by the sponsoring companies.

Sponsorship

The Novus programme manager presents to first and second year university students,  promoting not only the benefits of the programme, but the supply chain profession at large. Engaged students are then invited to attend an online assessment centre, assessed by Novus sponsors. The online assessment centre uses competency-based tools and techniques similar to those used for graduate recruitment, but adjusted for the target age group. Communication, team work, decision making and logical thinking form some of the assessment criteria, but passion for and commitment to the logistics profession are pivotal.

Thereafter, sponsors are involved in course delivery, enriching course content by providing guest lectures, company projects and site visits. Furthermore, companies provide professional mentors for students to assist with their personal and professional development, that stay with students for the duration of their course, and beyond. Novus students can be allocated an optional peer mentor in order to help them steer their way through the placement and graduate applications processes.

The feature that applies Novus’ industry-relevant education to the logistics sector is the work experience. Students have two opportunities for paid work experience during the course; the summer between first and second year at University, and the industrial placement year in third year.The roles offered to students include warehouse management, business development, warehouse team management, transport management, HR, finance and more. The areas in which students work on their industrial placement year include client solutions, warehouse management systems, business development, warehouse team management, transport management and more.

More information? 

Visit the website or contact Zara Nash, Novus Operations Manager:

• 01536 740138
• zara.nash@ciltuk.org.uk