A GOVERNMENT-driven training initiative is helping a Bradford logistics firm to develop the skills of its workers.

The new Apprenticeship Levy, introduced in April this year, is aimed at encouraging businesses to continue to invest in the professional development of their employees.

Thirteen managers at the Advanced Supply Chain Group, based on the Euroway Trading Estate, have now embarked on 14-month courses which will lead to qualifications awarded by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).

David Shaw, project support team leader, said: “I am in the first management role of my career, and I want to reach my full potential.

“We’re only a few weeks into the ILM training and already I am benefitting, both professionally and personally.

“Advanced Supply Chain Group is leading the industry and I want to ensure I contribute to its future.

“This course is important for me but it also helps the business stay ahead of its competitors.”

Alongside him is facilities manager Ian Fairlie, who has worked with the company since 2008.

“The last time I was in a classroom was ten years ago, but my enthusiasm to learn has never dwindled,” Mr Fairlie said.

“I see this training as a way of revitalising my career and I’m proud to have been selected as one of the first to benefit.

“I am keen to improve my management skills so that those I lead can be more effective in their jobs, too.”

Derek Wright, the company’s people director, added: “At the heart of our business is a drive to develop our people to ensure they have the skills they need to do their jobs.

“We want to be proactive in supporting our staff and offering professional training means we can build a better business.

“Like so many industries, ours is extremely competitive and so investing in our people means we’re investing in the business, too.”

The training is being delivered by Invisage Apprenticeships, which is part of Ingeus UK.

Advanced Supply Chain Group is a £75 million turnover company employing more than 1,000 people.The technology-led business provides global supply chain solutions to commerce and ecommerce clients and offers end-to-end logistics across the UK and internationally. Invisage Apprenticeships is a new division within the Ingeus training organisation, and provides Apprenticeship Levy training for businesses.