Think Logistics, a group of operators led by Abbey Logistics MD Steve Granite, has held a second successful pilot of its project to get school leavers to think of a career in logistics.
Matthew Kibble, MD of local haulier Matthew Kibble Transport, presented to around 30 students doing business studies at Nelson and Colne sixth form college near Burnley in Lancashire, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback.
The presentation was organised with the help of Justine Thatcher, curriculum leader at Nelson and Colne College, and Ian Nicol, lead manager, northern region of Career Academies UK, a charity linking students, colleges and employers, and supported by Bibby Distribution, Fagan & Whalley and sponsor Daf Trucks.
The three-hour session consisted of an overview of the logistics industry and the career opportunities it offers, some practical exercises to get students thinking about logistics and video presentations from the FTA's Love Logistics series. Kibble told the assembly how he came into the industry as a driver before starting his own business from his bedroom, and now runs 30 trucks from a 22,000sq ft site.
Following the session Kibble invite 15 students to visit his site in Nelson with the view to taking on at least one apprentice (pictured).
Think Logistics has attracted support from operators including Bibby, Fagan & Whalley, CM Downton, Suttons Group and Rhys Davies and the aim is to present to 1,000 sixth formers and college students in 2013 to develop a pipeline of young people wanting to come into the industry. Now the materials developed by Granite have been proven Think Logistics plans a national launch in May to persuade more operators of all sizes to come onboard and begin working with their local schools.
