Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has awarded Seetec Outsource a £1 million contract as part of its three-year Skills for Growth programme funded through the European Social Fund.

Seetec Outsource will support a minimum of 1,200 people working in the logistics industry to navigate a post-Brexit world as businesses face challenges around new import and export rules. They will also focus on upskilling in the planning, control and scheduling aspects of the sector.

The new contract aims to plug skills gaps within the logistics sector, which employs around 83,000 people in the region and has been identified by GMCA as a key sector in terms of employment and skills. 

Lloyd DeVal, Director of Sector Skills at Seetec Outsource, said: “The logistics industry has a vital role to play in supporting Greater Manchester’s social and economic growth, and we look forward to working closely with employers in the region to co-develop skills provision that builds workforce capability and increases productivity.

“As an award-winning provider with significant expertise and experience within the logistics sector, Seetec Outsource is well placed to deliver the skilled workforce that Greater Manchester needs to meet current and future challenges and embrace opportunities for growth.”

Businesses will be able to access a wide range of industry specific qualifications at level 3 or equivalent, including courses in international trade, traffic office, warehousing and managing teams in logistics operations.

Skills for Growth is an innovative programme that has been developed to fill skills gaps in a number of industries in Greater Manchester. So far, nine partners have been brought on board by GMCA to deliver support to businesses and training to individuals working across the digital, health and social care, construction, manufacturing and logistics industries.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council and Greater Manchester’s lead for Education, Work, Skills, Apprenticeships and Digital said: “There is a pressing need for more highly-skilled people than ever before who are trained effectively to grow our economy and raise productivity. 

“In Greater Manchester we have a growing, dynamic economy and we have ambitions for a world class integrated skills system to match it.

“We’ve been making some real progress over recent years and the Skills for Growth programme is just one fantastic example of how we work collaboratively to provide a relevant offer to our businesses, which is tailored and responsive to their needs.

The partnership marks another step forward in the city-region’s approach to better joining up the post-19 skills system and is in addition to the support offered through the Skills for Growth – SME Support arm of the programme, which is earmarked for any small to medium enterprise in the city-region to gain up to six months’ worth of tailored, expert guidance from dedicated Skills Coaches.

To find out more about Seetec Outsource visit: https://www.seetecoutsource.co.uk/skills-for-growth-logistics-skills/

For more information about the Skills for Growth programme please visit www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/SkillsForGrowth