A new scheme to help jobseekers find work in the booming logistics sector is to be launched by The City of Liverpool College.

The college will be announcing the drive to recruit unemployed people and train them to become a bus or lorry driver during Visitor Economy Week on 7th February at 8am.

The initiative is being launched at an event held at Abacus UK Training Ltd in Huyton in the heart of the City Region.

The college have partnered with Abacus UK Training Ltd, Northwest Education and Training (NWEAT) and other partners.

Working closely with the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) and Merseytravel,  more than 250 people have left unemployment, passed their driving tests and have gone on to full time employment in the logistics sector.

The driving test centre for passenger carrying vehicle (PCV) and HGV licences is the only one in Liverpool and anyone who wants to find out more is welcome to attend the official launch on Tuesday 7th February 8am until till 10am.

The event is open to all, including employers, students, jobseekers and anyone looking for a career change.
Logistics is regarded as one of the city region’s key growth areas, with the opening of the Liverpool 2 port terminal this year expected to pave the way for a significant increase in international freight passing through the city.

The sector is one of the fastest growing in the Liverpool City Region and employs more than 6% of the North West’s workforce, employing around 195,000 people in the North West.

Last year, The City of Liverpool College Logistics Academy announced it had reached a milestone by taking more than 700 people from unemployment gain professional qualifications and many find paid work.

The Logistics Academy, based at the College’s Vauxhall Road campus in Liverpool, trains people in heavy goods vehicle driving, passenger transport, warehousing, forklift truck operating and logistics administration.

Trainees have gone on to work for organisations such as IKEA, Yodel and local coach and bus companies. 
Elaine Bowker, principal of The City of Liverpool College, said: “Training and qualifications in the logistics sector are vital for strengthening the infrastructure of the Liverpool City Region economy.

“This drive is an important aspect of the work the Logistics Academy has done over the past two years and already more than 250 people have passed their driving tests and found paid employment and apprenticeships.

“The Academy and our new drive is not just about supporting the economy of the region but about helping normal people lift themselves out of joblessness and seek new career opportunities which benefit themselves and their families.”

During Visitor Economy Week, The City of Liverpool College will celebrate the thriving hospitality and leisure scene during Visitor Economy Week and showcase the huge contribution it makes to the city region.
Thousands of former college students and current apprentices are employed in Liverpool hotels, bars and restaurants, with many more studying for a life in the city’s growing sector.

Visitor Economy Week will take place from the 6 – 9 February and will showcase a variety of opportunities and diverse skills associated with a career in the visitor economy. 

During the week, more than 60 activities are taking place to provide a taste of working in hospitality, retail, tourism and travel.

The Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) visitor economy team supports this week as part of its initiative to help skills development across the sector. They have been working with colleges and skills providers across the city region to help retain employees in the sector and improve links with employers.

Joining The City of Liverpool College in providing events and activities during Visitor Economy Week is Riverside College, Hugh Baird College, St Helens College, Knowsley College, Southport College and Wirral Met. 

Students are being encouraged to sign up to the website and register for the events at www.visitoreconomyweek.co.uk which has a full timetable of events and more information and for more information about the Logistics Academy visit: http://www.liv-coll.ac.uk/Logistics-Academy-a224.html or www.nweat.co.uk