Daf has pledged three years of sponsorship to the Think Logistics scheme, joining Abbey Logistics and the RHA, in its drive to bring in a new generation of the logistics workforce.
The manufacturer will give money to Think Logistics over the course of three years, which the scheme’s founder, Abbey Logistics MD Steve Granite, said could be used for anything from website upkeep to bigger projects.
Daf MD Ray Ashworth (pictured) said: “At last, a serious initiative addressing the industry’s root concerns.
“I’ve been deeply impressed with Think Logistics and how it has been engaging directly with young people at schools and colleges.
“With Steve Granite’s infectious passion for trucks and transport and his unwavering determination to attract a new generation to what is such a dynamic industry, we have an irresistible combination with genuine potential to open the eyes of young people to a range of job opportunities they may not have considered previously. I believe we have the ingredients here to excite the next generation.”
Steve Granite said he was pleased with the support, and added: "DAF's sponsorship contribution is greatly appreciated and will allow us to scale up Think Logistics over the next 3 years. They clearly see that the ageing workforce issue is a potential bottle neck for industry growth and have pledged their support to help our industry overcome this major barrier."
Think Logistics works closely with Career Academies UK (soon to be Career Ready), which will be opening five new logistics academies in September this year.
Ian Nichol, national STEM development manager at Career Academies UK, said: “DAF Trucks’ contribution is significant and it will have a considerable impact on our future investment plans for the project.
"Quite simply, DAF Trucks gives us clout!”
The sponsorship announcement comes after Daf hosted a Think Logistics workshop in its marquee at the CV Show, where Ray Ashworth spoke to students about careers in the sector, along with Steve Granite and RHA chief executive Richard Burnett.
