The Logistics Skills + Careers Hub Official Launch at West Thames College’s Skills + Logistics Centre

On 17 October 2024, the Logistics Skills + Careers Hub officially opened at West Thames College’s Skills+ Logistics Centre in Feltham, marking a significant milestone in advancing the logistics industry in the region. Aimed at bridging skills gaps and fostering innovation, the hub serves as a collaborative effort between Logistics employers and the College.

The event brought together key figures in logistics, including representatives from major West London operators and industry leaders. We had the pleasure to be joined by Seema Malhotra, MP for Feltham & Heston and Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office) and Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Education) Equalities; Heathrow Airport’s Chief of Staff Nigel Milton; Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Education, Children, Skills and Employment; the Logistics Employer Board members alongside a range of other stakeholders as well as students from both Isleworth and the Skills + Logistics Centre.

CEO and Principal of West Thames College Tracy Aust, welcomed attendees to the event saying: "Today marks a significant milestone for West Thames College as we launch the Logistics Skills + Careers Hub, an initiative that will play a pivotal role in addressing the skills gaps within the logistics sector. Through this hub, we aim to equip our students not only with the technical knowledge, behaviours and skills necessary to meet the demands of employers but also those key employability skills and this is particularly important in a region where logistics is a key driver of the local economy."

"This hub is not only about training students but also about fostering collaboration between education, business, and the wider community. By working closely with logistics employers, we can help them recruit to those hard-to-fill vacancies while simultaneously supporting local economic productivity and growth as well as impacting positively on social mobility. The Logistics Skills + Careers Hub will showcase the numerous career opportunities available in logistics, demonstrating to young people why this sector is such a promising option for their future."

Highlights of the launch included a vehicle showcase featuring the latest in electric and gas-powered transport technology, and a recruitment fair aimed at connecting employers with local talent. Attendees participated in a masterclass exploring the future vision for logistics 2030, where industry leaders shared insights and discussed strategies for sustainable growth.

One of our local employers who attended the launch was Dawson’s Group, Colin Burrows, General Manager for Dawson Group Truck and Trailer, who said: “Events like today for young people are vital in this industry. Having the companies here today can demonstrate company requirements and provide guidance to students that are looking to work in logistics. It also shows the variation within the industry, and all the employers here play a part, big or small, when things are ordered online to when it is delivered. Hopefully today’s event will open a lot of doors. The students have been very engaged and keen – which is really nice to see.”

The new hub will support the development of skills in logistics, transportation, and supply chain management, crucial to the economic future of West London. It aims to provide young people and adults looking to train or up-skill within the logistics sector with opportunities. In addition, the hub will host careers events and recruitment drives, increasing accessibility and awareness of the sector within the local community.

This is a really exciting journey that we are on and as the Logistics Skills + Careers Hub continues to grow, it promises to be a key driver of innovation and skills development in this crucial priority sector, ensuring that West London remains at the forefront of the Logistics Economy. At the heart of this lies successful collaboration and today’s launch was a fantastic example of real collaboration in practice.