SCS Logistics doubles fleet numbers and upskills its team

SCS Logistics has raced into 2021 with permission to double its fleet to 40 trucks and 50 trailers, as the first stage of its five-year growth plan, and an impressive array of fresh training.

MD Sandra Cottam-Shea says her first order of business is to partner with the Road Haulage Association and TRS Training in order to run an industry specific apprenticeship programme. This will offer new skills to existing staff and bring the next generation onboard.

“We’ve been admirably supported by local colleges and educational centres over the years in terms of generic leadership and commercial courses, but RHA partner TRS has given us three transport-based courses,” she says. “This gives us the flexibility to support a brand-new entry or an established manager.”

Jordan Westbury is the company’s latest apprentice, undertaking the Supply Chain Operator-Traffic Office qualification. The two year training period will lead him through every aspect of planning, supply chain, administration and fleet compliance.

TPN manager Dan Wilson is enrolled on the level 3 Transport Manager Supervisor apprenticeship. This includes standard management skills alongside his Transport Manager CPC.

Financial director Sarah Metcalfe and operations manager Gary Hedges are both undertaking  Level 5 Operations/Department Manager apprenticeships. This takes two years and allows the individual to register as full Charted Management Institute CMI or ILM members. A further three years’ management experience will give them chartered management status.

Sandra says that while the benefits to the individuals and the organisation of all this training is huge, “the financial input is minimal and, in total, cheaper than putting one person through their TM CPC”.

She says: “I’m looking forward to working with everyone through this journey and learning as I go.”