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Freeport East continues its journey with Road to Logistics

[ October 7, 2026   //   ]

Freeport East is expanding its collaboration with Road to Logistics with a new fully funded training and employment programme to help people in the Harwich and Clacton area to develop skills and access careers in transport, logistics and warehousing.

Building on an earlier pilot phase in Felixstowe, the programme will take more than 30 learners through industry-focused training to prepare them for careers in logistics. Around two-thirds will aim to become HGV drivers with the remaining third pursuing roles as warehouse operatives. 

Since 2020, Road to Logistics has supported more than 750 unemployed people through industry-focused training and employment support throughout the UK. Of those taking part, 89% have progressed into employment, with 94% remaining in work after 12 months.

The earlier Felixstowe pilot supported people facing barriers to employment through a comprehensive training model to become newly qualified HGV drivers. This focused not only on driving skills but also on developing contextual awareness of the responsibilities and risks associated with professional driving to create safer, more informed drivers and giving employers greater confidence in recruiting newly qualified individuals.

Successful participants from the pilot went on to secure roles with organisations including XPO, Maritime Transport, the Port of Felixstowe and retailer, The Range. Since the pilot, Road to Logistics has gone on to establish a new HGV driver training academy with Suffolk New College, extending the benefits of this training approach to more jobseekers.

The first information, guidance and awareness day for participants in the new programme will be held at the Freeport East Harwich Innovation Hub in early October, focusing on training and career opportunities for warehouse operatives.

Freeport East chief executive, Steve Beel, said: “It will connect people in Tendring with practical, industry-focused training leading to real jobs, while helping our logistics and warehousing employers to develop the workforce they need in a critical part of our economy.”

Managing director at Road to Logistics, Jennifer Swain, commented: “The new funding will enable us to build on that success and support more than 30 local people towards employment through HGV Cat C and C+E training, as well as warehousing and forklift truck pathways. We are extremely grateful to Freeport East for continuing to invest in this work and allowing us to do what we do best – remove barriers, create opportunities and support people into lasting employment.”

Employers interested in finding out more about the programme or discussing their workforce needs can contact Road to Logistics at jennifer.swain@roadtologistics.org. 

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