Skills for life

A number of colleagues from across International Operations have received certificates for completing apprenticeships in a range of specialist areas.

Colleagues based at both Heathrow Worldwide Distribution Centre (HWDC) and the International Logistics centre (ILC) in Slough were among one of the largest apprentice groups to be trained in a single location. Apprenticeships were delivered between 12-18 months with apprentices having the opportunity to learn on-the-job, in the classroom and remotely from home.

Bob Lawrence, HWDC international operations communication and engagement lead, said: ‘These apprenticeships involved a lot of hard work and study, so well done to all!

‘It takes a lot of commitment and determination to complete these courses alongside your usual day job. Congratulations! Thanks also to our lead union learning rep (ULR), Parminder Kaur, who has been facilitating the courses throughout.’

'The HWDC workforce has a relatively high ethnic minority population, which is reflected in the need for improved English communication skills, particularly among women workers,' said Parminder. 'This was very apparent to me and one of the main reasons I volunteered for the ULR role. For many of these women, the workplace is the only environment where they can access the education and learning they need.'

In the last two years Parminder has trained a total of 52 participants aged between 20-55 across a range of subjects. To complement their existing roles and enhance their career prospects, her apprentices have completed qualifications in operations and logistics, traffic office, LGV and management. In addition, they have also gained merits in maths, English and information and communications technology.

'Each of the apprentices worked in the Logistics sector but none of them had any formal qualifications,' said Parminder. 'They all volunteered themselves to develop their own career paths. The skills and knowledge gained will now support their careers, giving them the confidence to progress through a well-structured pathway with CWU and Royal Mail.'

Each of the four LGV apprentices now hold their category C licence, having only held their category B (car) licence prior to starting the apprenticeship. Throughout their courses, all the apprentices were supported by System Group qualified skills coaches, Paula Woolmore and Anita Virk, who worked with the apprentices to ensure they felt fully supported, and that teaching was being delivered to the highest standards.

Cathy Hutton, head of employer engagement at System Group, said: 'The apprenticeships have been very successful and really well received by CWU, Royal Mail and its employees. All our learners have gained an industry recognised qualification and now have the skills and knowledge to help them implement their work more effectively. Along with this, the apprenticeships have given them legitimate qualifications that they can use to progress in their careers.'