The UK government and the logistics sector have launched a campaign, Generation Logistics, which aims to tackle the industry’s long-term recruitment issues and futureproof its talent pipeline.
Sponsored by the UK’s Department for Transport alongside companies from the industry, Generation Logistics is intended to raise awareness of the often-overlooked sector, and challenge common preconceptions about working in logistics.
Starting with a focus on young adults aged 16 to 24, the campaign will then target other potential employee groups, including career switchers and maternity/paternity leave returners.
Generation Logistics centers on a new platform designed to highlight the benefits of working in the industry and outline how logistics roles can meet the highest priorities of the next generation of workers.
The site will offer an online hub full of resources, learning materials and job openings, alongside partnerships with industry bodies, trade associations and vital core businesses across all freight modes, including Amazon, DHL, Stobart and Tesco. The campaign’s organizers expect Generation Logistics to make it easier for people to start their careers in the industry and futureproof the sector’s workforce.
Phil Roe, president of campaign developer Logistics UK, said, “Our research has revealed that 90% of the population has never considered working in our industry, yet it employs more than 2.6 million people. At a time when recruitment of new staff has never been more difficult, this campaign will lift the lid on the opportunities which logistics has on offer and encourage workers of all ages to investigate the careers our businesses can provide.”
Roe continued, “The Covid-19 pandemic shone a light on the logistics industry, underlining the importance of our staff as key workers and the critical role our sector plays in everyday life. With that in mind, it’s crucial that we do all we can to engage with the next generation right now to encourage them to bring their talents to our industry. We are hoping to puncture some of the myths around the sector, and provide a clear, practical pathway for those who want to explore whether a career in logistics could be for them – from truck drivers through to data scientists, robotics engineers and everything in between.”
Karl McCartney, the UK’s transport minister, said, “The last few years have shown how crucial our logistics sector is to both the economy and our daily lives. That’s why we put 33 measures in place to help tackle the effects of a global driver shortage. Since then, the sector has started to recover, and industry bodies are reporting positively on the number of HGV drivers stabilizing.”
Bethany Windsor, program manager of Generation Logistics, added, “Filling roles in logistics is a challenge, as many people do not know we exist, nor appreciate the breadth of jobs available. Through Generation Logistics, we will raise awareness of the many opportunities on offer and highlight the accessibility of those opportunities across all ages, locations and educational backgrounds. The logistics sector keeps Great Britain moving and there truly is a career within it for everyone. We’re looking forward to sharing them over the next 12 months!”
Read more personnel news here.