The University of Bolton has launched a pioneering degree course in partnership with world-renowned transport and logistics company Eddie Stobart.

The Eddie Stobart and University of Bolton’s three-year BSc degree programme in Logistics & Supply Chain Management guarantees a graduate job for successful students.

Students will be interviewed by representatives of both the university and Eddie Stobart before being accepted on the course.

They will combine classroom learning with a variety of work placements and get the opportunity to be exposed to all key areas of the business.

Once they have successfully completed the degree, they will be taken on in a graduate job role in the company.

Kondal Reddy Kandadi, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, joined Alex Laffey, Chief Executive Officer of Eddie Stobart, at the company’s headquarters in Warrington to sign the contract.

Kondal said: “Signing this strategic agreement with Eddie Stobart is a great milestone for the University of Bolton and in particular for our Institute of Management.

“This is another excellent example of our integrated links with industry and our core philosophy of placing student success at the centre of everything we do at the university.

“This exciting collaboration with Eddie Stobart will enrich our student learning by providing hands-on experience in the workplace throughout the three-year degree programme with industry placements, project work, and real-world skills development.”

Alex said: “Like many industry sectors, we need to invest in new talent to make sure we have the right skills and leaders we need for the future.

“The logistics industry in the UK is going through a period of unprecedented change and we want to be right up there with the best.

“Having worked closely with a number of graduates in my 30 years within the retail industry, I am extremely excited to partner with the University of Bolton on a scheme to attract students from the North West and further afield, which I know will be a huge success.”

The university is now inviting applications for the degree programme, which will start its first cohort in the forthcoming academic year (2019-20).

Prof George E Holmes, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: “We are delighted to announce this pioneering collaboration and look forward to building a successful and strong relationship with Eddie Stobart.”

To apply for the course, visit https://www.bolton.ac.uk/eddie-stobart/

Eddie Stobart Logistics plc is a leading supply chain, transport and logistics business providing industry-leading services to many of the UK’s best known brands, within four core sectors of Consumer; E-commerce; Retail; and Manufacturing, Industrial and Bulk.

Their specialised offerings in transportation, warehousing and value added services have helped develop strong partnerships within their diverse customer base.

From its headquarters in Warrington, the Group’s business operates c2,700 vehicles, c5,000 trailers and 43 operating centres throughout the UK and Europe, offering a full end-to-end supply chain service to a range of national and international customers.

Through acquisitions of iForce, Speedy Freight, Logistic People and The Pallet Network, their network and scale has grown, enabling them to deliver innovative supply chain solutions.

Further information about Eddie Stobart is available at: http://eddiestobart.com/

Please click here to find information for investors: http://eddiestobart.com/investor-relations/