Bibby Distribution has launched a 12-month apprenticeship scheme to attract school leavers into the logistics sector.

The RightStart programme will see youngsters embarking on Level 2 apprenticeships at four different Bibby Distribution sites in the Midlands and South West to experience a cross-section of the markets the business operates within.

At the end of the programme, Bibby says students will be ready to take on roles in transport, customer service, warehouse management and finance, with the opportunity to continue their training to a Level 3 qualification and a potential supervisory position in the future.

Adrian Tomlinson, regional general manager at Bibby Distribution added: “In the past, it’s been difficult to attract school leavers to the logistics sector, particularly as it’s often so misunderstood. RightStart helps reveal the complexity that goes on behind the industry, the wide variety of roles available, and prepares young people for rewarding careers.”

Students on the scheme will also learn skills from Bibby Distribution's sister company, System Training - with the support of training provider Training 4 Business – to obtain a Level 2 Storage and Warehouse apprenticeship.

Tomlinson added: “Crucially, the training has been designed around our operations, so our trainees will learn about delivering exactly what our customers require. And at the end of the training, they will have a guaranteed job and the ability to work at any of our 92 sites across the UK.”

The pilot programme already has four apprentices in training, with a second intake expected in six months’ time.

Research published last week by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills revealed that a third of the logistic sector's vacancies were "hard to fill" and recommended far more investment in attracting young people into the industry.

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