Look around you – almost everything you can see has only reached you thanks to logistics, from your phone at the side of you and the chair you’re sitting on, to the clothes you’re wearing, and the food in your fridge.
There are a huge number of careers in logistics, many of which involve working as part of a close-knit team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. In fact, one in 12 adults is employed by the logistics industry!
Whether you fancy a career with Eddie Stobart, Royal Mail, DHL, Amazon or any one of the other thousands of companies working in this sector, a Logistics qualification at The Manchester College – the No.1 College in Greater Manchester for achievement* - can help you to get there.
When you choose to study Logistics at The Manchester College, you'll also be choosing to study at one of the few education providers in the North West to be approved by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
Our courses are designed to give you a solid foundation in logistics. You’ll learn about all the different elements that make up the sector, from transport and warehousing to supply chains and much more.
If you’re 16-18, you’ll join our Centre of Excellence for Logistics whether you study Logistics at Level 1, 2 or 3. Alongside your programme of study, this will give you access to a work experience placement of at least 35 hours and a range of work related activities including talks from employers and trips to discover what it’s really like working in the logistics industry.
Adult courses
If you’re over the age of 19, you’ll have the opportunity to study a wide range of courses, suited to whichever career you want to progress into from Taxi Knowledge to LGV Driver Training and much more. Or, if you want to pursue a career in procurement and supply management, we offer Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport courses in Procurement and Supply Management from Level 2 all the way up to Level 6.
When you study Logistics at The Manchester College, you’ll learn from experienced tutors who have worked out in the sector. So, you’ll know that you’re learning the actual skills that real employers are looking for.
Get to know some of our department:
Tracey Boardman - Head of Department
Tracey became Head of Department for Logistics in October 2019. She has more than 20 years’ management experience out in the procurement, supply chain and logistics sector. During tha ttime, she helped to develop key systems and supply initiatives that enabled businesses to both improve their processes and increase profits.
Tracey has an MSc in Supply Chain Management and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).
John Cleary - Tutor
John joined The Manchester College in 2006, bringing with him an abundance of experience in logistics, primarily in the taxi sector. Highlights of his career include playing an instrumental role in overhauling the taxi knowledge process for Manchester City Council.
His 30+ years of experience make John a real asset to the department, and he’s supported thousands of students to pass their taxi knowledge exam. John has a degree in Business Studies, as well as a PGCE teaching qualification.
Howard Thorp -Tutor
Howard has been with The Manchester College since 2010. He has more than 30 years’ experience in logistics, including working as a self-employed taxi driver. Howard partnered with John Cleary to update the taxi knowledge exam for Manchester City Council. Howard now helps people to get started in their own career, by preparing them to pass the taxi knowledge exam that he helped to shape.
Darren O'Leary- Tutor
Darren has been at The Manchester College for six years and now teaches numerous courses, including Freight Forwarding. He worked as a private hire driver for almost 30 years, and also spent time as a prison counsellor, and drug and alcohol worker for the NHS.
Darren’s experiences mean that he particularly enjoys supporting students who have previously struggled to find lawful employment. Every single person that Darren has helped to obtain an LGV licence has gone on to achieve a fulltime job.
Steven Whitehead- Tutor
Steven worked as an LGV driver for a number of large companies, including the Stobart Group. He worked in general haulage, container transport and store deliveries. So he’s well placed to help our students to pass their own LGV exams.
Simon Kerfoot - Tutor
Simon has more than 30 years’ experience in the transport and distribution sector, and has held a variety of roles, including transport manager and company director. He now enjoys sharing his extensive industry knowledge with students at The Manchester College. Simon specialises in teaching LGV and forklift truck courses. He holds several recognised qualifications and certifications, as well as being a member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).
We believe practical experience is crucial when it comes to learning about logistics.
So, when you enrol on one of our Logistics courses, you’ll benefit from industry-standard training vehicles, specialist software and other sector-specific tools. You’ll also be learning in state-of-the-art modern facilities at our Wythenshawe campus.
Postal workers, mail sorters, messengers and couriers
Average salary: £35k
Elementary storage occupations
Average salary: £23k
Van drivers
Average salary: £27k
Delivering this type of training to a national organisation like Ainscough Crane Hire with the number of depots and engineers has its challenges, both with organisation and logistics, however the team at The Manchester College achieve this to an excellent standard.
The training I received from The Manchester College was expertly delivered and provided a solid base for me to begin my own journey as a Professional PCV Driving Instructor.
In one of The Manchester College’s 19 Centres of Excellence you’ll develop the skills and gain the qualifications that you need to take the next steps towards your dream career.
