New logistics degree to be launched

A new degree programme is set to be launched at the University of Huddersfield, which will enable students to gain a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Supply Chain and Logistics, with plans to extend the initiative to other universities around the UK. The first students on the course will begin their four years of study in September 2013, with the programme being managed by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and logistics operator consortium the Novus Trust. As part of the course, students will learn about key areas of the logistics industry including warehouse design, transport network design, supply chain IT, supply chain management, finance and sociology and psychology. An industry placement will also be offered in the third year, and CILT is promising students that the scheme will lead to "a guaranteed graduate job on completion". Anyone considering a career in logistics may therefore want to think about applying for the course, as the need for highly educated workers with the right kind of training continues to grow due to the increasingly complex nature of key roles such as supply chain manager jobs and procurement manager jobs. Employment will be provided to all graduates who complete the course with a minimum of a 2:1 degree, and plans are currently in place to roll out the programme in three more universities across the UK. David Leach of the University of Huddersfield commented: "The demand for our graduates has always outstripped the supply of young people choosing to study the subject.  The Novus scheme is a great way for industry and the university sector to work together to encourage more talented people into the industry." Organisational bodies throughout the transport and logistics sector are increasingly turning their attention to training and development, with all HGV and bus drivers now being required to undergo a minimum of 35 hours of training within every five year period in order to attain their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence. With the first phase of this process due to be completed in September of this year, Steve Agg, chief executive of CILT, has spoken out in support of the UK's commitment to high quality training, saying: "HGV and bus drivers are amongst only a very few group of workers required to undertake compulsory continuous professional development in order to retain their ability to work." Looking for procurement jobs? At Cast UK our team of expert consultants can help you find your ideal role.