The college's innovative programme, which achieved a 100% success rate for apprentices, was celebrated at the 30th National Courier Awards on Tuesday 27 October. West Thames College Principal Marta Gajewska and HBC Logistics Managing Director Ben Weldon accepted the recognition for their contributions to nurturing the next generation of transport and logistics professionals.
The event, organised by the Institute of Couriers, gathered key figures from the express delivery and logistics industry, including government representatives, educational institutions, and industry partners. Among the presenters were Minister Seema Malhotra, MP for Feltham and Heston, and Professor Peter John CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of West London.
The award specifically highlights the successful partnership between West Thames College and HBC Logistics in delivering transport and logistics training tailored to the needs of frontline industry workers. Instead of traditional online methods, the programme focused on practical, on-the-job learning through a bespoke offline portfolio workbook.
The 12-month programme, assessed last year, saw every candidate successfully pass, demonstrating the effectiveness of this hands-on approach. The nomination praised the partnership's innovative delivery model, strong collaboration between education and industry, and the removal of financial barriers for apprentices, as training was funded through the Apprenticeship Levy.
This achievement underscores the power of further education and employer collaborations in providing accessible and effective training, while assisting businesses in addressing skills gaps within West London's vital transport and logistics sector.
West Thames College, rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, remains committed to working with employers to equip learners with essential workplace skills. The success of the HBC Logistics programme exemplifies the value of adapting training to real-world job demands, enabling employees to gain recognised qualifications while continuing their employment.
The National Courier Awards marked their 30th anniversary, celebrating a wide range of achievements across the industry, from apprenticeships and professional development to the inaugural graduates of the Express Manager BSc honours degree. The 100% success rate for candidates represents a significant milestone for both West Thames College and HBC Logistics in their shared mission to build a skilled logistics workforce for the future.
Looking ahead, West Thames College is set to launch its 2026 Transport + Logistics Skills Hub initiative next week, aiming to connect local individuals with opportunities in this key regional industry.
