West Thames College, the Logistics Skills Alliance, the Institute of Couriers and HBC Logistics have been recognised for an innovative approach to apprenticeship delivery in the express logistics sector.
West Thames College and its partners are celebrating a major national education success after their collaborative apprenticeship programme was recognised with two awards at the 8th annual Education and Training Awards 2026.
The partnership received:
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Best Collaborative Apprenticeship Delivery Partnership 2026 – UK
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Collaborative Workforce Training Innovation Award 2026 – UK
The recognition celebrates a pioneering collaboration between West Thames College, the Logistics Skills Alliance (LSA), the Institute of Couriers (IOC) and HBC Logistics, which has developed an innovative way to deliver apprenticeship learning to employees working in the mobile, fast-moving environment of same-day and final-mile logistics.
The award outcome was announced by Melissa Bramall, who highlighted the importance of education and professional development in a rapidly changing logistics sector.
“This win shows a rapidly evolving world in logistics delivery to the door. Education and professional development have never been more important, and you are not simply adapting to change, you are helping lead it.”
Taking apprenticeship learning beyond the classroom
The winning partnership was developed in response to a particular challenge faced by Express Delivery Operative apprentices: limited access to online learning while working in mobile, often lone-working roles.
Rather than relying solely on conventional online learning platforms, the partnership introduced a sector-specific apprenticeship workbook, enabling learners to engage with their studies away from a computer or internet connection.
The programme supports apprentices undertaking the Express Delivery Operative Level 2 apprenticeship (ST0103), combining workplace learning with structured teaching delivered by West Thames College.
The workbooks were developed by the Institute of Couriers, with content informed by employer round tables involving organisations across the delivery sector. This helped ensure that the knowledge, skills and behaviours covered by the apprenticeship reflected current industry practices.
Learners work through modular content covering areas such as route planning, customer service, road safety and the challenges of working in a constantly changing road environment.
The approach also encourages apprentices and supervisors to discuss real-world situations, including congestion, roadworks, traffic incidents and changing delivery routes.
A partnership built around the workplace
HBC Logistics, which provides logistics services across the UK and Europe with a particular focus on same-day delivery, engaged with West Thames College and the Institute of Couriers to develop a training model that could work effectively for its mobile workforce.
West Thames College delivers the apprenticeship learning through individual modules, supported by workplace engagement and expert input from the Institute of Couriers.
The partnership also developed a tracking and auditing process to enable apprentices to monitor their progress through the workbook-based programme, while college tutors support candidates in reviewing and signing off their learning.
For HBC supervisors, the approach has provided accessible apprenticeship content that they can confidently use when supporting learners in the workplace.
The results demonstrate the impact of the collaboration. Seventy-five per cent of HBC's 2025 candidates achieved a first-time pass, while 100% of apprentice candidates passed their Institute of Couriers professional membership examinations.
Innovation driven by the realities of modern logistics
A key feature of the programme is its ability to turn everyday experiences on the road into learning opportunities.
For example, changing traffic conditions, road closures, congestion and accidents can prompt discussion between delivery teams and provide opportunities to explore route planning, communication and problem-solving.
This creates a learning environment that is closely connected to the realities of the job, helping apprentices develop not only their technical knowledge but also their confidence and communication skills.
The award judges recognised the partnership as an example of how employers, education providers and professional bodies can work together to overcome barriers to learning and create meaningful workforce development opportunities.
Looking to the future
West Thames College Principal Marta Gajewska highlighted the importance of collaboration in developing the logistics workforce of the future.
“The sector is a cornerstone of the UK economy. We are committed to working with employers and partners to inspire and train the next generation of logistics professionals.
“At West Thames College, we continue to expand our logistics courses and apprenticeships, and proudly lead the Logistics Skills Hub — driving skills, innovation and opportunity across the sector.
“The collaboration with the Institute of Couriers is a fantastic celebration of progress, inclusion and the power of education to shape the future of logistics.”
Dr Tracey Worth, CEO of the Institute of Couriers, said the partnership demonstrated what can be achieved when industry expertise, employers and education providers work together.
“We had identified the mobility of the candidates and the distance from internet access as a huge barrier to engagement for Express Delivery Operatives. The workbooks were developed collaboratively by sector employers, from SMEs to national delivery brands, around a common goal of creating relevant content.
“We then needed the collaboration of a training provider to deliver this unusual platform outside of the internet. I congratulate Ofsted Outstanding West Thames College for taking on the challenge for our sector and delivering a non-internet route to support our apprentices.
“HBC is a splendid example of successful multi-partner delivery. It is a joy to see their candidates not only complete their apprenticeships, but achieve our professional status goals and step up in their own roles.”
The double award success highlights the value of employer-led, inclusive and innovative apprenticeship delivery and reinforces West Thames College's commitment to working with industry partners to develop the skills needed across the logistics sector.
As demand for fast, reliable delivery continues to grow, the partnership is demonstrating that innovative approaches to education can ensure that workers remain connected to learning — wherever their workplace takes them.
