Think Logistics has got off to a flying start this year with several major operators lining up to deliver workshops or offer mentoring support for students keen to learn more about the logistics sector.
Eddie Stobart Logistics held an event earlier this month at West Derby School in Liverpool – the UK’s first Logistics Career Academy – where about 50 youngsters took part in a masterclass session called 'Getting ready for work', which the operator designed specifically for the school.
Matthew Kibble Transport is also due to host a similar sized event on 26 February at Nelson & Colne College in Lancashire, while Motortransport.co.uk understands plans are also in the pipeline for a Think Logistics event in Manchester in the coming months.
Abbey Logistics, meanwhile, is hoping to use the Think Logistics scheme to recruit two new apprentice traffic planners into the business – one in Erith, Kent, and one in Hull – with full-time employment available for the successful students once they complete their academic year in the summer.
Think Logistics, founded by Abbey Logistics MD Steve Granite, is an industry-led project that aims to raise young people’s understanding of the logistics sector and inform them about the range of career paths available.
The scheme is aiming to ensure that 1,000 students aged 16 to 19 attend one of its workshops by May 2016, and is keen for more operators to take part in the half-day sessions.
Operators are needed to commit to running a three-hour workshop and provide staff who will act as facilitators to support students, with the possibility of later offering work experience, internships or apprenticeships to any youngsters who show an aptitude and enthusiasm for the sector.
Neil Caldwell, Think Logistics project manager at Career Academies UK, said: “We have exciting plans to gain real momentum this year and are taking every opportunity to encourage more operators to join with our existing supporters to meet and beat the targets we have set to build awareness of our sector. We need more young people taking up careers in logistics and this initiative will have a real impact making that a reality. Please get in touch to get involved.”
To find out more, contact neil.caldwell@careeracademies.org.uk.