PORT OF TYNE DRIVERS GEAR UP FOR AWARDS SUCCESS

DRIVERS in South Shields are gearing up to deliver even greater levels of customer service thanks to training from Middlesbrough provider TWL.

TWL Training Ltd, based at Queensway Business Centre East, has teamed up with Port of Tyne Logistics to deliver a range of qualifications including NVQ Adult Apprenticeships.

Around 55 drivers from Port of Tyne Logistics are benefitting from the training, with the first 10 having already ‘graduated’. Their success was celebrated with a special awards ceremony held on Monday (July 13) at Merchant House, Tyne Dock.

Port of Tyne Logistics provides businesses with supply chain management such as cargo handling, warehouse and transportation of goods. As part of the Port’s commitment to developing staff, they teamed up with TWL to deliver qualifications to staff.

Since early 2008, TWL has been working to equip employees with a range of skills including refreshing their maths and English skills as well as expanding their knowledge road traffic laws, loading and unloading of vehicles, vehicle checks and driving standards.

Supported by Skills for Logistics, the training is accredited by City & Guilds and funded through the Learning and Skills Council.

Paul Fleming, TWL Senior Operations Manager, said: “We are delighted to be working with Port of Tyne Logistics to help them increase the skills of their employees.

“By providing industry-specific training, we are helping them to drive up the skills of their employees which, in turn, will lead to even greater levels of customer care and efficiency.”

Gary Appleby, Driver Development Manager at Port of Tyne Logistics, said: “As an organisation, we firmly recognise the importance of investing in staff development and are delighted at the success of our employees.

“Logistics is a highly specialised area which requires high quality training provision, something which TWL is providing, and we are delighted to be working with them.”

Geoff Gillon, the Port of Tyne’s Director of Human Resources, said: “Every year we hold a Celebration of Achievement reception to recognise those people who have achieved long service and training successes. Regrettably it is not always possible for all of our achievers to attend this one event so, I was delighted that we managed to get most of the Logistics team achievers together on Monday.

“Our reputation for high quality customer service is solely down to the expertise, dedication and loyalty of the Port of Tyne’s workforce and, in particular, it is the drivers in the Logistics operation who come into daily contact with many of our customers.”

Alan Smith, Head of the Northern Field Team at Skills for Logistics, said: "Developing the skills of the workforce is key to the future of the sector. It benefits the individual who has participated in training and qualifications, raises the professionalism of those working in logistics, improves working practices, benefits businesses’ bottom line and contributes to the efficiency of UK plc.

“At Skills for Logistics we encourage continuous professional development and are pleased to see Port of Tyne developing the skills of their staff."

Back