Council Offers Logistics Industry a Helping Hand on the Road to Recovery

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council will be launching an exciting, new Logistics Training Academy to help improve the skills of employees within the logistics industry. This will include upskilling existing warehouse staff into driving positions, as well as recruiting and training staff for warehousing positions.  

The Council will be working alongside the Jobs and Benefits Offices who could potentially be funding the driver training costs at a maximum of £1500 per individual whilst Transport Training Services (TTS) is also on board and willing to deliver van, rigid lorry or articulated lorry driver training for apprenticeships. The Council is also exploring potential funding for the programme via a Labour Market Partnership with support from The Department for Communities.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb said, “The pandemic has had a major impact on the availability of labour, especially within the logistics industry. The Council has reached out to local haulage firms across the Borough and identified the demand for individuals with the necessary skills and licenses to access this type of work.”   

He added, “I am delighted the Council is supporting this initiative to help upskill and recruit for these much sought-after positions. As well as helping businesses with their workforce shortages, it will also increase the employability of some of our residents who are currently job hunting. This will hopefully kickstart a new career path for them within the logistics industry.”  

The Council also plans to work alongside the hospitality business in the Borough to explore any gaps within their sector.