The Novus Programme has achieved a significant milestone, welcoming eight new university partners over the past year and expanding its network to 26 universities across the UK.
The eight new joiners include University of Greenwich, University of Lancashire, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, University college Birmingham, University of Essex, Leeds Beckett University, Royal Holloway, University of London and Liverpool John Moores University.
This growth marks an exciting chapter for the early careers initiative, which continues to connect ambitious students with leading employers in logistics, supply chain management, and a wide range of business functions.
The Novus Programme is a charitable initiative designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Through partnerships with universities and employers, Novus raises awareness of career opportunities within logistics and supply chain while equipping students with the skills, experiences, and industry connections needed to succeed in today's competitive job market.
Since its launch, the programme has helped hundreds of students gain valuable insight into the sector through exclusive internships, yearlong placements, graduate opportunities, industry events, site visits, mentoring, and employability support.
The addition of eight new university partners in the last year reflects the growing recognition of Novus' impact in developing future talent and supporting employers facing increasing demand for skilled graduates.
Open to all first and second year undergraduate students, the Novus Programme offers opportunities across a broad range of disciplines. While logistics and supply chain management remain at its core, students can also explore careers in areas including IT, HR, finance, marketing, operations, and business management.
“Logistics and supply chain a management wasn’t an area that I was overly aware of but it was very clear to me that it was an area that had opportunity. I genuinely believe that Novus sets you apart from other business graduates. It gives you a set of skills which are in really high demand. Novus gave me the skills and Arla gave me the opportunity.” Sales Controller Value Retail, Arla, Novus Graduate
"I’m passionate about connecting students with opportunities that can shape their future careers. Working closely with academics helps me reach the right students, and building strong relationships with our sponsors has enabled us to provide exclusive opportunities for Novus students." Zara Nash, Novus Programme Manager, CILT (UK).
Reaching 26 university partnerships is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the strength of collaboration between CILT UK, higher education and industry. We are proud to provide students with meaningful opportunities to develop their skills, build professional networks, and discover rewarding careers. Welcoming eight new universities this year enables us to engage with even more talented students and continue addressing the future skills needs of the sector.
The programme's continued expansion demonstrates its commitment to creating accessible career pathways for students while supporting employers in attracting diverse, skilled, and work-ready graduates.
As Novus looks ahead, the programme remains focused on strengthening partnerships, enhancing student experiences, and inspiring the next generation of professionals who will shape the future of logistics, supply chain, and business.
The eight new joiners join current university partners which include Anglia Ruskin University, Aston University, Cardiff University, Coventry University, Keele University, Middlesex University London, Northumbria University Newcastle, University of Bradford, University of Derby, University of Huddersfield, University of Hull, University of Leeds, University of Lincoln, University of Northampton, University of Salford Manchester, University of Sheffield, University of Westminster and University of Worcester.
About the Novus Programme
The Novus Programme is a charitable early careers initiative that connects undergraduate students with leading employers across logistics, supply chain, and wider business functions. Working in partnership with 26 universities across the UK, the programme provides students with access to placements, graduate opportunities, mentoring, industry events, site visits, and employability support. Novus helps students bridge the gap between academia and industry while building successful and rewarding careers.
A thank you to Michelle Warner, CILT (UK) for her interim management of the Novus programme.