What N/SVQ qualifications are available
in the logistics sector? |
Distribution & Warehousing Operations N/SVQ Level
2 and Level 3
Level 2 is suitable for staff which work in a distribution
environment, undertaking the role of warehouse operative.
The optional units provide opportunities for staff who specialise
in a particular area of a large distribution centre or work
in a small location.
Level 3 is suitable for supervisors of the warehousing environment
who have responsibilities for monitoring and maintaining systems
and procedures within the workplace. |
What are National Vocational
(NVQs) and Scottish Vocational (SVQs) Qualifications? |
| N/SVQs are available for virtually all occupations in
the UK and all levels of staff. They show that the people
holding these certificates are competent to actually do a
job, not just the theory.
N/SVQs are work based qualifications, which mean staff do
not have to take time off work.
N/SVQs are based on nationally recognised occupational standards,
which clearly describe what is expected of people working
in various occupations. |
Companies who have implemented this
qualification through TTC include: |
| Christian Salvesen, NHS Logistics, Wickes Home Improvement
Centres and Wilkinsons Distribution. |
Examples of modules studied include: |
Health & safety, security, working relationships, receiving
and verifying goods, storage, order processing, distribution,
modification and monitoring of systems and facilities.
|
NHS Logistics - Case Study
NHS LOGISITICS AUTHORITY PICKS TTC FOR WAREHOUSING NVQ
Background |
| NHS Logistics Authority is the main supply channel for
consumable healthcare products to the NHS and employs 800
people in operations. The Authority stocks 20,000 products
and delivers £500 million of stock per year. It was
formed in April 2000, following a Government Review of NHS
procurement in 1998. At this time, all of its training needs
were reviewed.
Staff joined the organisation with different training experiences
so a new internal training function was set up to provide
training consistency across the whole business.
|
Research |
| To research the needs of the organisation the new department
undertook a survey to identify any training requirements,
which revealed a need for training related to operations -
principally, warehousing. The company also undertook a survey
amongst its staff which reinforced that operations staff had
few opportunities for training and development and that there
was a need for them to develop.
Having researched which qualifications were available, it
was thought a workshop based course would not be relevant
as it would take people out of the workplace too much. However
an in-work assessment was ideal and they therefore decided
on the NVQ.
As a government body NHS Logistics must comply with the Public
Procurement Regulations so a formal tender process was set
in motion. Several companies were invited to tender which
was followed by an evaluation process to measure the quality
and price against the requirements. TTC Training was appointed
in February 2001.
|
Implementing the Training |
| The NVQ in Distribution and Warehousing Operations was introduced
as an initial pilot scheme in Maidstone and Runcorn - the two
sites where the survey results showed there was most need for
training opportunities.
Jos Finer said: "TTC personnel visited the sites, briefed
the managers to discuss the implementation of the programme
and addressed the practical operational issues. They put up
posters and leaflets to encourage staff to apply and held
roadshows. So committed were they to delivering the programme
they even had a roadshow for staff on the night shift.
"To achieve a balance between providing a sufficient
number of opportunities and not disrupting the workplace too
greatly, we decided to provide NVQ places for 10% of operational
staff. We struck a fine balance between offering staff the
opportunity to obtain a recognised qualification and the need
to limit the overall time spent training so as not to jeopardise
reaching our performance targets.
"Applications were assessed by the training manager
and the site manager and places allocated. We were pleased
with the number of staff who showed an interest in the course.
If it is successful and we decide to continue the programme
we will be looking to offer this to 10% of warehouse staff
each year across all the sites."
Trainees attended induction workshops at each of the two
pilot sites, held in small groups to minimise disruption and
to cater for shift patterns; these were followed by regular
assessment visits. The programme started in June 2001 with
initial indications looking positive. Site managers are pleased
with progress and staff involved report it is going well.
A formal evaluation will take place to consider attitudes
of both managers and staff, as well as measure staff turnover
and improvements in productivity.
As far as implementing the programme is concerned, he said:
"TTC Training has been very responsive to our requests,
they took account of factors such as work patterns and bent
over backwards in terms of the timescale involved - they didn't
flinch once at any of my 'demands'! We have regular review
meetings and work very much as a partnership.
"At first I was concerned about the administration involved
in introducing an NVQ programme but TTC does it all for me.
They also arrange their own site visits for the assessments
and just hand me the monthly progress reports."
For more information contact TTC Training on 01483 727321.
|
Customer Comments
- NHS Logistics |
An audit of existing training provision revealed a need
for training related to warehouse operations. It was agreed
workshop-based courses were not always practical as they remove
people from the workplace and therefore, workplace assessment
would be more appropriate.
“TTC offered us the level of quality we require and
were able to provide national coverage so
all our sites could benefit from the programme. TTC personnel
visited the sites, briefed managers to discuss implementing
the programme and addressed the practical operational issues.
They put up posters to encourage staff to apply and held road-shows,
there was even one for the night shift.”
Jos Finer - Training & Development Manager
“Completing my Distribution, Warehousing and Storage
Level 3 portfolio has refreshed in my mind how my organisation
operates. I have thoroughly enjoyed gaining a nationally recognised
qualification.”
Mick Callear - NHS Logistics, Normanton
|
| TTC programmes are usually tailored to meet the
needs of individual businesses. Many companies are pleased
to find that we can help secure funding which significantly
reduces the cost of training.
You do not have to be a large company to enrol trainees
onto our Apprenticeship programmes.
TTC can take care of the paperwork so all you have
to do is watch your staff learn and develop skills to meet
your business needs.
For more detailed information on how your business
can benefit from introducing N/SVQs to your staff, contact
us to make an appointment with one of our local advisers info@ttctraining.co.uk
|
