The Port of Tilbury, London’s fastest growing port, is launching a new training programme, called Routes to Logistics, with opportunities for over 200 local residents who are currently unemployed.

The fully funded programme will run an introductory training course of up to three days focussing on working in the transport and logistics industry with the aim of building people’s career aspirations and developing follow on support and training, tailored to the individual to help them get back into the workplace.

The course includes access to key accredited courses including First Aid, Health and Safety, Fork Lift Novice Licence and an IOSH managing safety course with additional e-learning modules that can be accessed remotely and cover all aspects of personal development, accredited health and safety, and aspects of the logistics industry.

Commenting on the new programme, Simon Harper, Training and Development Manager at The Port of Tilbury said: “As we have seen during this past year, transport and logistics are key roles in our society and we are very pleased to be able to launch this new programme to give the local community the opportunity through training and development to enhance their employability for a career in this sector. Anyone interested in the course should speak to their job centre.”

Cllr Deb Huelin, Thurrock Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We’re delighted that The Port of Tilbury is launching Routes to Logistics thanks to funding from the Tilbury CLLD programme.

 “This project aims to improve the lives of residents in Tilbury by helping them to overcome obstacles to employment and take a significant step to moving into jobs, education or training.

 “I encourage anyone who is eligible and interested in working in the transport and logistics industry to apply.”

Routes to Logistics is a 21-month project specifically for the Tilbury community, engaging 204 people in logistics and transport sector training and careers pathways. The project develops local pathways to the businesses, customers and projects associated with the Port of Tilbury and UK plc. Routes to Logistics is funded by the Tilbury Community-led Local Development (CLLD) programme administered by Thurrock Council and in Partnership with Tilbury on the Thames Trust

With limited places available please register your interest by emailing Training.Coordinator@potll.com with your contact details including your address and one of the team will call back within a week to confirm eligibility and next steps.

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Over 30 unemployed young people are set to join the Port of London Authority (PLA) in Gravesend and Forth Ports, including at Tilbury, for paid six-month traineeships this spring, as part of the Government’s £2.4 billion Kickstart work programme.

Opportunities available, ranging from administration through to operations, will give 16 to 24-year olds a chance to gain important experience in a real working environment.

Glenn Witham, HR director at the PLA, said: “With the pandemic seriously affecting young people’s job prospects, we want to do our bit by helping them develop the skills and confidence to secure full-time employment.

“The majority of our recent apprentices have gone on to greater things with us and we hope that will be the case for our new Kickstart trainees too.”

Jackie Anderson, group HR manager at Forth Ports, said: “This is not an easy time for people looking to start a career.

“Kickstart is great new way of reaching out to even more young people. Hopefully it will be a steppingstone for other opportunities for them with us, such as an apprenticeship, or even a permanent job.

“We have a long and proud tradition of investing in opportunities for people entering the jobs market for the first time, with almost 100 apprentices in place in roles across the business, including with engineering, operations and finance.

Kickstart applicants, who must have been on Universal Credit for six months, will be referred to the PLA and Forth Ports by Job Centre Plus

The Government pays the minimum wage for the roles offered, based on a maximum 25-hour week.

With CVs already being received, interviews are expected to take place in February, and it is hoped the first successful candidates will be in place in March.

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