Hundreds of visitors arrived in Telford on 22nd June for Talent in Logistics, the only event dedicated to training, learning and development in the transport, warehousing and logistics industries.
The packed agenda of conference sessions, an expert-filled Information Zone and the glamorous Awards evening not only proved enjoyable, but also offered advice and inspiration on how to tackle some of the key issues facing the sector.
Fighting the skills shortage
Over the next 6 years, an estimated 588,000 additional workers will be required to support a growing logistics sector, making it vital for organisations to address skills, training and career progression. Geared specifically towards the challenges of the logistics and transport industry, the Talent in Logistics Conference provided visitors with a development opportunity, ideal for helping to keep professionals engaged and on their logistics career path.
In addition, conference delegates were encouraged to think about the future of logistics careers with a talk from CASCAID as well as a session on new standards relating to apprenticeships, delivered by Pearson. Jobcentre Plus also explained the work taking place within the logistics industry to help tackle the skills shortage by recruiting and retaining employees with disability.
Recognition and reward is one of the most important elements in attracting new staff and retaining existing employees. This was a key theme throughout the event, and never more so than during the Talent in Logistics Awards, where hundreds of people gathered for the unique Awards dinner at the Telford International Centre to celebrate excellence throughout the transport and logistics industry.
15 awards were presented to individuals, teams and organisations which had demonstrated their commitment to quality and going the extra mile. Increasing the number of female employees in the transport and logistics industry is considered key for tackling the skills crisis, so it was particularly positive to see a number of awards won by women this year.
Keeping people safe
Ensuring the safety of staff, and those they come into contact with, is not just a legal requirement for employers in the transport and logistics sector, it’s a moral consideration too. The agenda at the Talent in Logistics Conference covered a variety of topics around safety within this sector, and highlighted the important role that training plays in this.
Popular sessions for those in the transport sector included charity Brake looking at LGV driver distraction, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) discussing their Transport sector strategy, and speakers from National Counter Terrorism Policing looking at how lorry related terrorism can be prevented. The National Register of LGV Instructors also educated delegates on need-to-know legislation, regulation and best practice.
Materials handling equipment (MHE) safety was also addressed with a session from RTITB looking at the importance of pre-use inspections, while Mentor FLT Training considered how to make a difference to forklift safety. A speaker from the HSE also helped visitors understand more about the psychology and influences behind risk taking behaviour, while charity Mind brought the important topic of mental health to the fore and suggested how employers can help.
Making training work for your business
Although training is key to addressing the common issues that the logistics and transport industry faces, if planned and delivered correctly, it should also benefit the company and support business objectives.
During the conference, CIPD shared top tips for making strategic L&D work in practice, while Doosan Industrial Vehicle UK explored how MHE training will evolve in the future to help businesses save time and money while reducing risks. Transaid also demonstrated the importance of quality training, using examples from the economically developing countries where the charity works.
For delegates from commercial training providers there were specific sessions from Dynamix Technology and Struto to help provide ideas and practical advice on effective sales and marketing for training businesses.
During the event, many delegates also dropped by the Information Zone, to network and consult with leading brands from within the industry about best practice and the common issues faced by training and L&D professionals. Exhibitors included Anglia Logistics Transport Training Academy (ALTTA), Brake, Business on the Move, CASCAID, Driving Test Success, Freight Transport Association (FTA), Molokini Marketing, NRI, Road Haulage Association (RHA), RTITB, the RTITB Instructor Academy, Think Logistics, TJX Europe, Tockwith Training, Transaid and Voss.
Following a highly successful conference and awards this year, the next Talent in Logistics Conference and Awards is confirmed as taking place at the Telford International Centre on 21st June 2018. The conference will once again give Learning and Development Managers, Instructors, Health and Safety Managers, and HR and Training Managers a chance to come together and explore solutions to issues with the transport and logistics industry, while the Awards will celebrate the skills and hard work of the people in the logistics industry, rewarding those that keep the country moving.
For more information on Talent in Logistics, or to see the latest updates on the 2018 event, visit: www.talentinlogistics.co.uk .
