Logistics firm combines with Glyndwr University to launch new degree

Sep 15 2009 By Chester Chronicle

John Lucas

A Wrexham-based company which trains people for careers in the logistics industry is combining with the town’s university to develop a specialist new degree.

PRL Training Ltd, based on Wrexham Industrial Estate, has been working with Glyndwr University on its new Foundation Degree in Logistics Operations Management.

The course is one of only a handful of degrees specialising in logistics to be offered in the UK and meets a skills gap for graduates who can enter the industry and hit the ground running, already having specialist knowledge and skills to work in logistics.

John Lucas, Director of PRL Training, said: "At the moment hundreds of graduates are entering the logistics industry as management trainees with degrees like history or geography and very little or no knowledge at all of the ins and outs of logistics – they don’t know what’s involved in running a transport fleet or the movement of goods around the country.

"We’ve been working with the University for a number of years on different projects and we mentioned that what we’d really like to see was a degree that provided people with the specific skills, knowledge and qualifications which are pertinent to moving goods around the country. The opportunity to combine our own knowledge of logistics with Glyndwr University’s expertise in higher education came along so we’ve now got that," added John, who has more than 40 years experience in the logistics industry.

"It’s not an understatement to say that logistics is the lifeblood of the UK economy. Without specialists in logistics there wouldn’t be any goods on the shelves of local supermarkets and people wouldn’t get mail delivered to their door. It’s vital, and courses like this will undoubtedly help ensure the industry receives a strong supply of well-qualified logistics professionals."

The course, which can be studied over three years part time, introduces students to topics including transport law, company law, industrial relations, health and safety, financial management, vehicle licensing and the role of agencies such as the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).

Sandra King, Subject Leader in Glyndwr University’s Business School, said: "Glyndwr University is all about providing industry-focused degrees which will get jobs for our graduates. Thanks to the input of PRL we’re pleased to have developed a degree which will help fill a clear skills gap within the logistics industry.

"As well as specific logistics-related content, the course also covers core business and management skills which are essential for those looking to work in, or those already employed in the industry."

The FdA Logistics Operations Management starts this month. More information is available online at www.glyndwr.ac.uk or from Glyndwr University’s Business School on 01978 293063.