As part of Oakland International’s commitment to talent development and leadership succession, Transport Manager Lynne Pearson has been enrolled as their first employee ‘apprenticeship’ on Aston University’s Logistics with Supply Chain Management Degree programme.

Aston University launched the Logistics with Supply Chain Management Degree course 4-years’ ago, with their first cohort graduating this summer. Referred to as an ‘apprenticeship,’ the course is open to anyone of any age with an interest in becoming a supply chain specialist or wishing to work within the logistics field.

Oakland International Group HR Director Nicola Harris explains: “As a valued senior female manager in Oakland’s Distribution business Lynne is an ambassador for women in transport and has a passion for lifelong learning with this degree course helping to extend her knowledge across the broader remit of logistics and supply chain management.

“Sponsoring degree apprenticeships is part of our commitment to be a learning organisation, and we aim to identify two internal delegates and two external apprentices to join the Programme each year. Known for her tenacity and commitment we have no doubt Lynne will bring more strategic ideas to our business as her knowledge and skills grow.”

Oakland International by planning for the company’s future is identifying executive leaders and operational managers for succession whilst ensuring sustained business continuity and is planning to support both existing team members and future employees to ensure they reach their full potential. The degree offers promotional opportunities within Oakland as well as an alternative career direction within the industry sector.

Having introduced a talent assessment process across the Oakland Group, they identified Lynne as an emerging leader, recognising her capacity for development.

Said Lynne: “I am looking forward to the journey ahead with Aston University and am honoured and privileged to have been approached by Oakland International and given the opportunity to develop further.

“The degree course will provide me with the skills and knowledge required to hopefully progress with Oakland in the future. This is an exciting opportunity which I will embrace together with Aston University and Oakland International.

“Oakland International continue to empower and support women in the Supply Chain Industry continually providing fulfilling opportunities, an organisation I am proud to be part of.”

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport, the degree covers the foundational supply chain and logistics knowledge to succeed including procurement, inventory management and transportation management, analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the students’ final year being a placement year, or if already in a permanent role undertaking a research project.

A Certified B Corporation business Oakland International is a total supply chain solutions specialist and a leader in direct to consumer, case consolidation, contract packing, storage and distribution, food tempering and brand development support for all types of food, servicing diverse markets across the UK and Ireland. They are also experts in saving food and non-food products from going to waste via their distress load management service and aiming to be the first business within their sector to reach Net Zero.