West Thames College launches Transport + Logistics Skills Hub to strengthen partnerships and develop skills across West London
West Thames College has launched the next chapter of the Transport + Logistics Skills Hub, hosted by the College and funded by the Greater London Authority through the West London Alliance. The initiative brings employers, industry representatives and local communities together to raise the profile of the sector, strengthen the talent pipeline and connect local people with opportunities across West London.
West Thames College has launched the next chapter of the Transport + Logistics Skills Hub, hosted by the College and funded by the Greater London Authority through the West London Alliance. The initiative brings employers, industry representatives and local communities together to raise the profile of the sector, strengthen the talent pipeline and connect local people with opportunities across West London.
The launch event brought together representatives from across the transport and logistics sector, education, government and local services to celebrate the new Hub and explore opportunities for collaboration. Among those attending were former Principal and CEO of West Thames College Tracy Aust OBE DL; Seema Malhotra, MP for Feltham and Heston; Ruth Cadbury, MP for Brentford and Isleworth.
Guest speakers included Carl Lomas from the Institute of Couriers, Majeed Neky, Assistant Director for Economy at the West London Alliance and Chris Floyd, Transport Safety and Standards Lead at Evri Group.
The event also welcomed West Thames College student representatives Dennis and Naima, whose participation highlighted the importance of connecting local people with opportunities in the sector.
Funded by the Mayor of London through the Greater London Authority’s Sector Talent Hubs programme, the initiative builds on the College’s established partnerships with industry to strengthen transport and logistics skills provision, address recruitment challenges and raise awareness of the career opportunities available across West London.
Based at the College’s Skills + Logistics Centre in Feltham, the Hub brings together education, employers and the wider community to raise awareness of careers in transport, logistics and supply chain management. It aims to engage young people and adults who may not previously have considered the sector, while helping those already interested discover the breadth of opportunities available.
Serving all seven West London boroughs, the initiative will bring together employers, training providers, local councils, Jobcentre Plus and careers services to create clearer pathways into employment.
Connecting local people with industry opportunities
Marta Gajewska, CEO and Principal of West Thames College, said: “Transport and logistics play an essential role in moving goods, supporting businesses and keeping supply chains operating. With Heathrow Airport and major commercial operations nearby, West London is an important location for the industry, creating opportunities for people to develop skills and progress into a wide range of careers.
“Through collaboration with employers, the Hub supports training and careers provision that reflects industry needs. It also provides a platform for careers events, recruitment activities and employer engagement, helping businesses connect with potential recruits while giving local people greater insight into the qualifications, skills and experience needed to enter the sector.”
Seema Malhotra, MP for Feltham and Heston, highlighted the importance of West London’s position at the centre of a major logistics network and the opportunities this creates for local people.
She said: “Every plane that lands at Heathrow has goods that need to be shipped somewhere. In West London, we are at the centre of a world-class logistics sector.
“This has been a great event, bringing together the West London Alliance, employers, leaders and young people. It is all about aspiration and recognising the great opportunity for our area to connect young people and those reskilling with real opportunities.
“I’m really excited about the future of logistics in West London. We can see great potential for growth, with the transport and logistics sector driving our local economy, while ensuring local people have the opportunities to become part of and join the sector.”
Ruth Cadbury, MP for Brentford and Isleworth, also welcomed the initiative and its focus on supporting people looking for employment and opportunities to develop their skills.
She said: “It really is a great opportunity to be here today, both as an MP representing so many young people and career returners who are looking for jobs and opportunities to improve their skills. There is such a need for skills and upliftment in this country.”
Sharing industry insight and building partnerships
At the launch, a series of guest speakers shared insights into the logistics sector, explored its future and highlighted the opportunities available across West London.
Marta Gajewska opened proceedings by welcoming attendees, before Seema Malhotra spoke about the role of transport, jobs and economic growth in powering the region’s future. Carl Lomas, from the Institute of Couriers, explored how West London could connect ambition and drive growth, followed by Majeed Neky, Assistant Director – Economy at the West London Alliance, who discussed regional partnerships, the sector talent system and future transport infrastructure. Chris Floyd, Transport Safety and Standards Lead at Evri Group, then shared his perspective on the transport and logistics sector and the career opportunities it offers. The session concluded with an introduction to how employers and partners can get involved in the Skills Hub.
The launch event also included a dedicated session for careers advisers and job coaches from across West London. This was designed to help them better understand the opportunities available in transport and logistics, enabling them to share information about careers in the sector with the people they support.
Building on an established partnership with industry
The 2027 initiative builds on the Logistics Skills + Careers Hub, which officially opened at West Thames College’s Skills + Logistics Centre in October 2024. The Hub was established to help address local skills gaps, improve access to careers information and support employers with their recruitment needs.
Its continued development also supports wider efforts to align training with employer demand across West London, including the 2026 West London Local Skills Improvement Plan, which identifies transport and logistics as one of the region’s established skills hub priorities.
By strengthening partnerships between organisations working with individuals seeking employment opportunities and industry, West Thames College aims to help more people discover the possibilities within transport and logistics, improve access to relevant training and contribute to the long-term growth of the regional economy.
Find out more about the Transport + Logistics Skills Hub: www.westthamescollegelogisticshub.co.uk
Get involved with the Transport + Logistics Skills Hub by scanning the QR code or expressing your interest here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/4YixEbPZGb
Save the Date: Upcoming Events in 2027
Understanding Logistics – 11 February 2027: An event offering students and local residents the opportunity to explore careers and opportunities across the transport, logistics and supply chain sectors, expected to engage more than 200 attendees.
Women in Logistics – 17 March 2027: An event encouraging more women to consider careers in the logistics and transport sectors, showcasing career pathways and opportunities while connecting women with employers.
