Plans for £7m logistics training centre unveiled

The Modal Training centre for excellence is being jointly funded by Grimsby Institute and Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to support the ports economy and growing energy and logistics centres.

It is thought it will be the first organisation in the UK to offer integrated, multi-activity training for the range of logistics sectors.

Sam Whitaker, vice-principal for strategic projects at the Grimsby Institute and board member of Modal Training, said the centre will serve the region’s growing skills demand around logistics.

He said: “The Humber is already home to the UK’s largest, multi-purpose ports complex which, for decades, has supported a growing trade in coal, cars, food, freight, passengers and petroleum.

“Now the region is set to expand again, as it takes on a new role as the international logistics hub for the emerging renewables energy sector.”

Based in a 5,696 m2 fit for purpose designed facility that was formerly owned by Fabricom ENGIE, the centre will include simulators for training maritime crew, truck and crane drivers.

It will also include warehousing, engineering and rail safety teaching facilities, as well as the UK’s only Air Freight Forwarding Academy.

Mr Whitake said Modal Training will work with employers to deliver the skills they need.

He said: “The task we have set ourselves is clear - to ensure that businesses operating in our ports, energy and logistics sectors have access to the training support they need to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

“We intend to work with them to develop their existing teams, train new members and raise the profile of career opportunities in these sectors to facilitate future recruitment.”Mike Sellers, ABP’s port manager for Grimsby and Immingham, added: “We’re looking forward to working with the Modal team to ensure that the programmes being developed meet our needs exactly.

“I urge other businesses to get in touch to discuss their own requirements.”

The centre is on schedule for completion and full operation in September 2016.

Mike Parker, chair of the Humber LEP’s Employment and Skills Group, said the centre will boost new opportunities for the region.

He said: “Logistics are vital to supporting the Humber’s growing renewables sector, as a source of new career opportunities and in consolidating our status as the UK’s Energy Estuary.

“To enable current and future work forces to take maximum advantage of the new jobs which are being created, we must meet the challenge of bridging the skills gap.”