Tech & Digital Apprenticeship Support for the Logistics Industry

Logistics and freight transportation is a crucial industry in the UK. The industry is the pulse of the nation, responsible for moving millions of items across the country daily. Just about every item that we use in our daily lives has been part of a supply chain at some point. From your weekly grocery shop, the car you drive, or the device you are using to read this article - they have had to be moved from their origin to you. It is estimated that 189 million tonnes km of domestic freight is moved across the UK annually and the logistics sector employs 108,145 people in the West Midlands. It is estimated that this will grow by 16% by 2030.With the rise of digital technologies, the new competition battle lines have been drawn around efficiencies and effectiveness. Customers want quicker delivery times and expect to be better informed about their deliveries with live tracking and accurate delivery times. This has resulted in the sector making significant investments in implementing new technologies and processes.

Why should logistics companies invest in Tech & Digital skills?

For businesses to maintain and grow their competitive advantage they need skilled digital workers to manage their new tech and processes. Using technology these employees will be able to identify and realise new opportunities. They will also help to overcome challenges such as Brexit, Covid-19, changing customer demands, road safety, air quality targets and decarbonisation. Digital transformation is happening and new tech is being introduced to the world frequently. 5G has great potential in logistics. A simple use of this new tech is increasing the speed and reliability of the information in the supply chain. A more complex use of it is drones being used for deliveries. The possibilities are endless and can be realised by the business having the tech and digital skills.

‍The biggest opportunities in the sector…Data, data, data!

‍Data has been described as the new oil. This holds true but only if it is being used effectively. Data is collected throughout the supply chain. Interpreting the data correctly can lead to many benefits for companies.Data can reduce costs. The last mile of delivery is notoriously expensive with some studies showing that it represents up to 28% of the total cost of deliveries. Most of this is down to failed and missed deliveries with subsequent attempts for deliveries having to be made. Having data systems in place can ensure that first-time delivery successes increase as well as route optimization reducing fuel costs and people-hours. Data can also be used to improve reliability and transparency, shorten lead times and ensure sensitive packages arrive intact.

‍Software

‍With vast amounts of data available to companies, they will rely on software solutions to capture and display it. Software solutions enable smoother operations for better real-time fleet management, streamlined communication and improved customer service.These software systems can be as simple as showing what freight is on a given lorry. A more advanced solution may be a customer-facing app that gives live delivery times, item route history and even the name of the delivery driver. This may include integrating several different systems and APIs.Companies can greatly improve their competitive advantage by having software development skills. Not only will this reduce downtime of systems but could provide them with systems that are far superior to rivals.

‍Marketing

Companies may have the best and greatest systems and processes with super fast and reliable delivery, but if they aren’t able to communicate this they will struggle to get customers. By having a digital marketing presence allows companies to reach millions of potential customers. Digital marketing is different from more traditional marketing in that adverts can be highly targeted and personalised and at a fraction of a cost. Marketing can analyse sales figures and customer data to better inform the business on where to acquire new business. Some logistics companies have themselves added a marketing business to their business model by selling their lorries at advertising boards! A marketing skillset provides businesses with a creative skillset to think outside the box and can open up new opportunities.

‍How can an apprentice help?

‍At TDM we offer several different apprenticeship programs that would suit logistics companies and help them grow. An apprentices’ training can be adapted according to the needs of your business, they are highly motivated to learn new skills and can expand and upskill your workforce.

Research has found that 86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation. Also, 78% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity. Furthermore, 74% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve the quality of their product or service.TDM consistently scores highly in its Pass Rates, Distinctions Rates and are the leading Digital Apprenticeship Provider in England, according to the ESFA’s National Achievement Rate Tables.We offer several apprenticeships programs such as Data Technician, Software Development and Digital Marketing that can help you succeed. Our expert staff can help you recruit an apprentice or retrain someone already in the organisation into one of these programs. Whether it is your first apprentice or 20th you can rely on us for expert support and guidance.

‍If you would like to find out more about our tech and digital apprenticeships please a callback here or email enquiries@tdm.co.uk or call 0333 10 100 40.