The National College for Logistics has officially opened its doors today (23 September), with a promise to radically transform training and workforce development in the industry.
Based in Leighton Buzzard, the college has been created in response to urgent employer demand and the growing economic importance of logistics, warehousing, and supply chain management.
Initially the college will serve students across the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor but has plans to develop a wider reach via remote learning and partnerships with employers and universities.
Developed in close collaboration with industry partners and experts, the National College for Logistics (NC4L) is designed to deliver practical, high-impact training using state-of-the-art facilities and technology.
Students will gain hands-on experience through simulation software, warehouse and transport planning tools, and real-world logistics systems, ensuring they are equipped for the demands of a sector facing rapid digital and environmental transformation.
David Coombes, head of the National College for Logistics, said: “I’m incredibly proud to lead this national initiative at such a critical moment for the logistics sector.
“The launch of the National College for Logistics is not just a milestone; it’s the beginning of a mission to redefine how we train, inspire, and future-proof the UK’s logistics workforce.
“I’m looking forward to working with our employer partners, students, and communities to build something truly transformational.
“Together, we’re creating a national engine for skills, innovation, and opportunity that will drive the sector forward for decades to come.”
Yiannis Koursis, The Bedford College Group chief executive, added: “The NC4L launch signals a new era for logistics education in the UK. It is focused on delivering industry-relevant training that reflects the pace of change in automation, digitalisation, and sustainability.
“We’re not just preparing individuals for jobs, we’re building agile, future-ready professionals who can lead and adapt in a fast-evolving sector. It’s about creating meaningful career pathways and ensuring the UK remains competitive on a global logistics stage.”
The UK logistics sector currently employs over 2.7 million people and plays a critical role in everything from retail and healthcare to construction and e-commerce. However, it faces an acute skills shortage, particularly in roles that require technical and digital expertise.
The new college aims to play a key role in addressing this gap by offering a broad curriculum that includes apprenticeships, adult education programmes, and employer-led Skills Bootcamps.
These flexible learning options are tailored to both school leavers and career changers, with a focus on inclusivity, access, and progression into higher education or employment.
Every element of the curriculum has been co-designed with employers to reflect real-world business needs. Students will engage in project-based learning, industry placements, and regular contact with logistics professionals through guest lectures and mentoring.
The aim is not only to develop technical skills but also to build the leadership, sustainability awareness, and strategic thinking required in an increasingly complex sector.
Commenting on the launch, Robin Webber-Jones, The Bedford College Group executive director of curriculum, said: “By working hand-in-hand with industry leaders, we’re equipping learners of all ages with the expertise, innovation and confidence to shape the future of logistics. This isn’t just a college, it’s a national centre if excellence, built for the demands of today and the challenges of tomorrow.”
Nikki Jones, The Bedford College Group director for business engagement and apprenticeships, emphasised the opportunities in logistics the college will open up to students.
She said: “Logistics is an amazing sector with so many opportunities and career paths. You could start an apprenticeship at level two and progress all the way to operations manager. This centre will provide that pathway, as well as bespoke training for existing workforces, up to high-level management.
“We offer apprenticeships at all levels to match the wide variety of jobs available. For anyone interested in logistics apprenticeships, come and talk to us, explore the sector, and we’ll help you find the right path and connect with fantastic employers.”
David Cormack, NC4L deputy head, said the college aimed to open students eyes to the myriad career choices the industry offers.
He said: “This has been in my mind for about 10 years. For the sector, it’s vital to have not just a centre, but opportunities for lifelong learning. Apprenticeships are key, but we also want to guide students from induction and foundation learning through to higher-level qualifications, reinforcing skills along the way.
“This is not about driving trucks or being in a warehouse; it’s a tech business that happens to deliver boxes. That’s the world we’re in, and we are here to develop the next-generation workforce. That’s big data. That’s AI. That’s why this is exciting. This centre is about inspiring students to really love the sector and take it to every community.”
While the location of the college is within the growth area of the Oxford–Cambridge Arc, the college’s reach is intended to be national, with plans to deliver hybrid and remote learning, collaborate with universities on advanced logistics qualifications, and host employer-led innovation projects.
Future plans include becoming a hub for applied research, skills forecasting, and best practice in areas such as green logistics and freight decarbonisation.
Today’s launch brought together industry leaders, partners, and local leaders to celebrate the opening of the institution, including Kevin Buchanan, Pall-Ex Group chief executive.
Buchanan commented: “Logistics forms the backbone of the UK economy, yet it is continually overlooked as a rewarding career choice.
“The National College for Logistics (NC4L) gives people the ability to understand the importance of the logistics sector and the variety of opportunities available to them.
“This is a significant step in securing our sector’s future. Pall-Ex is proud to support NC4L in developing clear career pathways, relevant courses, and training for the next generation of logistics professionals.
“We look forward to working in partnership with the college to enhance our own internal training and development platforms and supporting logistics businesses like our 120 shareholder member companies attract and retain top talent.”
