MHW Magazine News and stories from the Materials Handling Industry
HRH The Princess Royal, Patron of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) launched Aspire, the CILT's vital new Careers Foundation, last night (06 October).
Addressing many of the UK's leading logistics and passenger transport professionals at London's Café Royal, she highlighted the need for more training at every level of business, particularly for new entrants and aspiring professionals overseas.
The Princess Royal explained she has seen the need for local expertise in times of crisis at first hand, especially during emergency relief operations.
It is envisaged that Aspire will be funded by CILT individual members and corporate donations in order to provide financial help to professionals who might not otherwise have the funds available to access exceptional logistics and transport training and development opportunities.
Eurostar CEO Richard Brown CBE, President of CILT, told the prestigious audience that no other profession has such a blend of people, assets and processes; and that it is essential to invest now in the professionals of tomorrow.
Immediate Past President Alan G Waller OBE – who was instrumental in the creation of the foundation – said: 'This investment is our collective future. The vision is to bring together all players in this community of professionals. We have had successful careers and want to give something back.'
He explained that education is seldom free today, but that this shouldn't be a block to people wanting to enter and progress within the profession. Aspire will help fund scholarships, bursaries and financial assistance for recognised professional education programmes. It will also connect students, young managers and novice operators with the best practitioners in academic, governmental and commercial organisations worldwide.
For more information, or to find out how to donate to Aspire, contact Steve Agg, Chief Executive, CILT(UK) on 01536 740109 or email aspire@ciltglobal.org.
