Pallet delivery network Pall-Ex has teamed up with De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) in the UK to help tackle the logistics industry’s nationwide skills shortage.
Pall-Ex has tasked second year marketing students with developing creative ideas to promote careers in the logistics sector to young people aged 16 to 24. The company has provided a live brief for an integrated marketing campaign, using market research, social media, influencer marketing and PR.
Campaigns will promote HGV driving roles and other careers, encouraging applicants from under-represented groups, such as women and minority communities.
The industry is facing a growing shortage of drivers due to an ageing workforce; research from workers’ union Unite shows that just 1% of HGV drivers in the UK are aged under 25, while the average age of drivers was recorded at 48 in 2016 – up from 45.3 in 2001 – with 13% aged over 60.
Kevin Buchanan, Group CEO at Pall-Ex, said, “Attracting the younger generation has become more challenging as they are unaware of the scope of jobs available and the opportunities for progression. We see this as a learning opportunity for ourselves, as well as the students, as it will enable us to get a fresh perspective from young people themselves and better understand how to inform them on the great opportunities in the logistics sector.”
