HUDDERSFIELD University is building on its reputation as a UK pioneer for degrees in transport, logistics and supply chain management.

Now the university – in partnership with a group of leading companies – has announced a new sponsorship scheme designed to ensure that greater numbers of top-class students are attracted to a subject that is often under-appreciated, but acknowledged to be a vital element in the health of the economy and which offers excellent career opportunities.

Representatives of 23 companies – including major manufacturers and supermarket giants – attended an event at the university’s 3M Buckley Innovation Centre to launch the Supply Chain Sponsorship Scheme.

The scheme is designed to ensure that larger numbers of high calibre UK students are attracted to the industry.

It results from an initiative by leading firms in the sector, including BiS Henderson, a leader in supply chain recruitment in both the private and public sectors; logistics companies Wincanton, Unipart Logistics and Lloyd Fraser; and manufacturer Premier Foods.

Also involved are major names including Arla, Asda, ASOS, Clipper , Coca Cola, Cummins, DHL, J Sainsburys, Jigsaw, John Lewis, Morrisons, Network Rail, PZ Cussons, Scala Consulting, and Tesco.

These companies have come together to form the Novus Trust to manage the scheme through the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

Paul Brooks, chairman of skills for logistics and sales director at Unipart, said: “The industry requires a new way to attract talent. We’ve got some brilliant people across our industry and adding to this, the Novus Trust and the University of Huddersfield will create a long-term sustainable difference to our pipeline of leadership talent.”

Students with good A-level results will be eligible to study for a four-year logistics and supply chain management degree at the university while receiving the backing and mentorship of a sponsoring company, which then guarantees them employment after graduation.

Leading the scheme for the university has been senior lecturer David Leach and he was delighted to have the opportunity to work with Novus on the initiative.

“We have a shared mission to increase both the quality and quantity of young people choosing to study and work in this vital field,” he said.

“The demand for our graduates has always significantly outstripped the supply of young people choosing to study the subject. The Novus scheme is a great way for industry and the university sector to work together to encourage more talented young people in to the industry.

“Increased university fees mean that students are now expected to make an enormous investment in their university education. The offer of guaranteed employment at the end of the programme will enable young people to study in this area, confident that they will earn a return on their investment.”

The first degree in transport and distribution – as the subject was initially known – was established in the early 1980s at Huddersfield. It has been a sector-leading course ever since, attracting large numbers of overseas as well as UK students.

One of the key components of the programme, from the very outset, has been relevant, industry-focused content within our courses. This now goes hand-in-hand with the concept behind the new scheme, where Novus partners will ensure that the provision is even more closely aligned to industry requirements and ensure that graduates are able to make an immediate contribution to their employers.

“Students will benefit from guidance from industry professionals throughout the degree programme,” said Mr Leach. “Short and long placements, together with industry-led sessions, will enrich the learning experience and ensure that students develop the personal, professional and technical skills needed to succeed in the workplace.”

University vice-chancellor Prof Bob Cryan said: “It will ensure that participant companies effectively switch on a production line of new talent.

“The students who are accepted on to the scheme will be in an enviable situation, benefiting not only from their degree studies but also from the mentorship and placements provided by their sponsor companies.”