Stockton Riverside College has been named among the Association of College’s Beacon Award 20/21 commended colleges for its work helping to meet the training needs of the logistics industry.
The awards programme highlights best practice, where colleges have demonstrated a high level of innovation, impact and sustainability.
Named in the City and Guilds Award for College Engagement with Employers category, the college, which is part of the Education Training Collective, has received Beacon Standard and Commended Status for its work with employers and industry experts through the Tees Valley Logistics Academy.
“This is testament to the amazing work carried out by all the team, not just at the college group, but all our partner employers and industry experts,” said Michael Duffey, who heads up the academy.
“They give their time and expertise to ensure we are meeting the real demands of the sector, to equip people with the relevant knowledge to tackle emerging skills shortages, upskill the workforce and help make the industry an aspirational career of choice among our young people.”
The Tees Valley Logistics Academy was created to service the training demands of the industry, bringing together industry employers and experts from across the sector in the region.
Starting with a Career Ready programme for 16 to 18 year-olds to carry out alongside their full-time study programme, the initiative quickly grew with the development of its own local advisory board. It now delivers a wide range of responsive services to the industry, all built on employer expertise and feedback.
Last year saw the launch of the North East School of Shipping with the Chartered Institute of Shipbrokers, this year the Academy formed a collaboration with the High Tide Foundation, and new for 2020 the TVLA is facilitating access to HGV CPC training delivered by the Road Haulage Association.
“There’s still more to do,” said Michael. “To achieve the Aoc Beacon Standard and Commended Status shows that we are on the right track.”
The Association of Colleges’ Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK further education colleges.
