Stobart has recently won the “Co-op Environmental & Sustainability Warriors Award – 2021” awarded to “the Co-op supplier who has inspired change and delivered a project that has positively impacted the planet and promoted best practice”.
Throughout 2021 Stobart has actively partnered with Co-op to agree a measured ongoing Sustainability Road Map including a pipeline of key initiatives to be rolled out incrementally. The overall aim is for joint Stobart/Co-op operations to become more and more sustainable, through forensic governance and improved carbon efficiency management.
Three specific initiatives were implemented in 2021; a Carbon reporting process for inbound RDC deliveries enabling measurement of the environmental impact, introduction of Wedge Double Deck Trailers to carry more freight whilst at the same time reducing carbon emissions and, a review of one way backhaul trunking activity, utilising the extensive Stobart network to improve efficiency of the Co-op fleet.
A further pipeline of defined initiatives is currently in progress including a long-term project to review any further opportunities to transfer freight shipment from Road to Rail, along with an alternative fuel trial and a move to real time carbon emissions reporting.
“These important initiatives form part of the Stobart aim to be the most sustainable UK LSP”, said Stobart CEO, David Pickering.
“Through our collaboration with Co-op, we are delighted to be recognised for our commitment to delivering sustainable initiatives that positively impact the environment. The ongoing roadmap that we have developed, in collaboration with Co-op, forms a key cornerstone in a cultural change in our ways of working. We are committed to driving continuous improvement and sharing of best practice amongst all of our partners”.
Culina Group company Stobart Europe is hitting the New Year running with the establishment of an important new division – Stobart Multimodal.
Stobart Multimodal will offer a wide range of integrated specialist services including ambient and temperature controlled logistics solutions, road and rail transport to continental port of exit, export customs formalities, shipment to the UK, import customs clearances, and deliveries in to Culina Group locations.
Following the acquisition of Stobart Europe in the summer of 2021 Culina Group had a vision to establish a fully integrated supply chain and over the last six months have been working hard to make Stobart Multimodal a reality.
Accelerated development of the vision was prompted by the various unprecedented logistics challenges of 2021, including COVID, Brexit, and the evolving driver shortage. These challenges have been financially tough and time-consuming for many Culina Group customers. Significantly COVID exacerbated Brexit issues have frequently caused continental loads to arrive in to the UK late, sometimes leading to empty shelves in stores. The challenges confirmed to Culina Group that the time was right to develop the Stobart Multimodal concept.
“Well over 100,000 full loads are delivered into Culina Group warehouses from the continent each year and up until now we have had limited control over when goods would be arriving”, said Thomas Van Mourik – Culina Group CEO,
“Stobart Multimodal will address this. High-level logistics solutions will be offered and performance will be guaranteed, all backed up by emergency solutions in the form of Culina Group resources.
We will work with selected partners on specific corridors easing the pressure on our customers supply chains and limiting disruption to their operations.”
Leading the development of Stobart Multimodal is International Logistics Expert – Arthur Koutstaal. Arthur has nearly forty years’ experience in logistics and has worked in numerous operational positions for prominent businesses such as Geest North Sea Line (now part of Samskip), P&O Ferrymasters Zeebrugge, ECS European Containers, Koolwijk Logistics, and Move Intermodal.
“I am very pleased to welcome Arthur to the Culina Group business in the position of Senior Supply Chain Specialist for Stobart Multimodal”, said Thomas, “He has always had strong links with the UK and Ireland and has historically worked very closely with Culina Group delivering into our warehouses so knows our business well.”
Stobart Multimodal priorities going forward will be focused around infrastructure and IT whilst developing its network with strategic partners. Culina Group will also be looking at potential acquisitions that fit with the Stobart Multimodal business model as well as identifying appropriate investment opportunities.
We are a market leading logistics company, founded in 1994. There are several businesses that form Culina Group including Culina, Stobart, Stobart Europe, Fowler Welch, Great Bear, Warrens, CML, IPS, The Pallet Network, iForce, Logistics People and MMiD. These Group businesses cover four key service sectors, chilled and ambient warehousing and distribution, co-pack and resourcing.
Where are we located?
We have a nationwide network of depots across the UK and Ireland offering chilled, ambient and co-packing services, as well as warehousing space. To find your nearest depot please visit https://www.culina.co.uk/about-us/nationwide-network/
What are the entry criteria for the apprenticeship scheme?
When filtering candidates we complete the following checks:
Hold a valid full UK driving licence (manual Cat-B licence) with at least 6 months driving experience to qualify for the license acquisition and do not hold any driving LGV entitlements (Cat C or C+E)
Applicant must be over the age of 18
No DR or DD codes.
6 points maximum allowed.
Having a ‘can-do’ attitude and an appreciation of customer service are important qualities for us.
The ability to remain motivated whilst working alone is essential for a driving focused role.
Being an excellent team player is vital at Culina Group, as is the ability to communicate effectively with your colleagues.
For safety purposes, we do require our apprentices have a satisfactory medical assessment.
Will I need to complete functional skills training?
Unless the candidate already has a grade C or equivalent at GCSE Maths and English, they are required to complete functional skills assessments. Functional skills is taught and assessed by the training provider as part of the apprenticeship curriculum.
How long does the apprenticeship last?
The apprenticeship is 12 months and one day long, with an end point assessment (EPA) at 13 months. The EPA will be conducted by a third party assessor.
What does the apprenticeship involve?
This role is brand-new within the business, not only will you earn whilst you learn on our structured 13 month scheme, but on completion you will be guaranteed a permanent position. This amazing opportunity is not just a job, it will allow you to develop your skills and begin your journey towards a life-changing career.
Over the 13 months, you will be working towards becoming a fully-fledged member of our growing Driver team through work shadowing, ‘hands–on’ training and computer based learning.
Throughout the scheme, you will have the full support and guidance of fellow colleagues, trainers and our dedicated Apprenticeship Manager to help you grow and develop into an outstanding Logistics professional.
What are the key responsibilities of the role?
You will be responsible for collecting and delivering our customers’ products in line with our agreed service levels, whilst ensuring a professional service throughout.
You will be learning about the regulations surrounding Drivers’ Hours, Tachographs and Working Time legislation to ensure both compliance and safety standards are adhered to.
What are the Apprenticeship Scheme pay rates?
£350 per week, payable in arrears by credit transfer to your bank account at monthly intervals on or about the 25th day of each month.
On the satisfactory completion of your basic training programme and the achievement of your licence acquisition, your pay will increase in % increments during the first year of employment. These % increases will be based on the standard LGV Driver rate for the depot to which you are contracted to work at. The % increases are also specific to the group company you work for and the depot you are contracted to work at.
An example of the % increases are as follows:
Week 16- 24 = 80% of your depot current driver rate per annum
Week 25 – 33 = 90% of your depot current driver rate per annum
Week 34 – 52 = 95% of your depot current driver rate per annum
Week 53 = 100% of your depot current driver rate per annum
Where can I apply?
Please check out our current live vacancies via our Culina Careers website page by clicking the provided links below. From this page you can search for and apply directly for available vacancies that are local to your area.
At least two weeks before the assessment day is due to take place, candidates will be filtered for their suitability to the apprenticeship scheme.
If the candidate passes the filtering stage, they will then have a phone interview with the training provider, and subsequently invited to the assessment day.
During the assessment day, candidates will complete a variety of activities, including a driving assessment and group exercise. These exercises are designed to be a fun and informative experience to help the candidate decide whether a career as a driver is the right choice for them.
There will also be a more formal interview with the depot management. Following the assessment day, successful candidates will be contacted and sent contracts. Any unsuccessful candidates will also be contacted with an update.
What do I do while I wait for my provisional entitlement?
While you wait for your provisional entitlement, you will be completing lessons in preparation for your Theory and Hazard perception tests. During this period, you will also be exposed to as many aspects of the industry as is possible. We hope to give you a well-rounded insight into all areas while on the apprenticeship scheme, not just driving. This could include shadowing in the transport office, shadowing planners, or working in the warehouse.
As part of the apprenticeship, you will also need to complete ‘Off-the-job logs’. These logs must make up at least 20% of an apprentice’s normal working hours (paid hours excluding overtime) over the planned duration of the apprenticeship.
What will I be taught on the apprenticeship?
While enrolled in the apprenticeship, you will complete a series of masterclasses aimed to give you a better understanding of the logistics industry, as well as improving the knowledge you will need as a Class 1 driver.
You will also be scheduled time to shadow drivers on their runs. This is the perfect opportunity to ask questions regarding how to drive the vehicle, as well as any other questions about the industry.
What benefits are there within Culina Group?
We offer:
Opportunities for personal progression, training and development
Competitive terms and conditions of employment
Employee feedback via employee Surveys
Cross depot project involvement
Effective H&S / Occupational Health Management
Customer interaction
Pension Scheme: If you qualify for the Company’s Group Personal Pension Scheme then this will be set out in your Letter of Appointment / Contract of Employment and the Company’s appointed Pensions Scheme Administrator will be in touch with you shortly.
Life assurance is provided by the Company and covers you whilst you are in employment of the Company, not just at work. You should nominate your beneficiaries using the form available from HR.
Culina Group Benefits Website: As part of our drive to make this a great place to work, we are now very pleased to offer you a wider choice of benefits which are now available in addition to the existing core benefits you enjoy. On your behalf we have negotiated special rates and discounts which should not only save you money, but will also be a source of general assistance and support via our HAPI Benefits.
What opportunities for personal progression are there within Culina Group?
When you join Culina Group you are given more than a job; you are given an exciting chance to become the best version of yourself. You are given a fantastic opportunity to progress within our ever expanding organisation.
We care massively about Culina Group colleagues’ growth and wellbeing. We seek to continually deliver the best training support and solutions possible right across the UK.
For dynamic Culina Group colleagues and ambitious prospective members of our growing UK team we offer a huge and continually expanding range of ad hoc, short and long term training and development support solutions across all aspects of our business.
The Culina Group Learning and Development Team of expert professionals develop and implement a comprehensive mix of e-learning, online courses, In house courses, Mentoring schemes, Apprenticeships, and Management Training Programmes for colleagues at every level within the Group.
Wherever you are, whether you are working in Transport and Logistics, Warehouse Operations or Fulfilment, Management or Administration we have many options and opportunities for you to progress your career.
Our wide range of e-learning programmes offers learning opportunities on diverse subjects such as IT, Confidence Building, Employment Law, Accounting, Coaching, GDPR, Financial Strategy and various Microsoft courses which are all readily available to use. Whether it’s to learn something new or to touch up on any existing skills, e-learning will provide you with all the information you require.
Our Mentoring Schemes offer formal on-going support for Mentees to build towards their career aspirations. Mentors and mentees are paired up based on desired experience for a 12-month period.
Culina Group is committed to recruiting and developing the stars of tomorrow through our Apprentice Programmes which allows the opportunity to gain relevant qualifications while learning on the job.
Our 12 month LEAD (Leadership, Exploration, Ability, and Development) programmes for all management levels are bespoke to Culina Group. LEAD 1 – Leading a Team – for First Tier Management, LEAD 2 – Leading Leaders – for Middle Management, and LEAD 3 – Leading a Business – for Senior Management.
At Culina Group every colleague receives a Personal Development Plan each year. Your Personal Development Plan allows you to discuss your individual development needs and how best Culina Group can help you to achieve your goals within the company.
In the last five years Culina Group has grown tenfold in size. We now offer huge opportunities for ambitious people to grow and progress.
We will provide encouragement and support to ensure that you fulfil your potential no matter where you are or what area of our business you work in.
If you give 100% whilst displaying a diligent and customer focused attitude, then the sky is the limit for you at Culina Group.
To discuss specific training solutions please contact your Learning and Development Advisor or to book on an internal Learning and Development Course please contact Julia.clarke@culina.co.uk
Like what you have read? Culina Group can get you where you want to be in your career. Join our winning team by visiting www.culinacareers.co.uk and begin your journey to the best possible you today.
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If you have any questions about any of the vacancies available or would like to make an enquiry, please get in touch
