DHL UK Foundation helps 10,000 young people into the world of work

The DHL UK Foundation has invested £1.8m in the employability of young people in the UK in the current academic year, involving 275 activities delivered to 10,000 secondary school students.

The independent charitable foundation, spearheaded by former DHL Supply Chain UK & Ireland chief executive Perry Watts, works in partnership with DHL businesses and staff and other charities to raise aspirations, develop confidence and prepare disadvantaged young people for employment.

DHL UK colleagues are given the opportunity via the ‘GoTeach’ programme to inspire young people about the world of work and explain the wide range of careers available in the logistics industry.

The DHL UK Foundation focusses support on young people aged between five and 25 years. Over 75 schools are currently supported by the GoTeach UK programme with 74% of students saying they are more excited about their future career prospects after taking part in DHL UK Foundations led activities.

The 2018/19 academic year also saw the first apprentices who were introduced to the logistics industry via the GoTeach UK programme begin their journey on the DHL Chartered Business Manager Degree-Level Apprenticeship. DHL colleagues mentored these young people through a series of employability workshops, site visits and DHL Foundation funded outdoor learning residential schemes.

Dean Wyatt, GoTeach UK Ambassador board chair, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the results that the GoTeach UK programme has achieved over the last 12 months. For decades, the DHL UK Foundation has been conducting important work to support the communities in which this business operates and it is great to see the huge difference DHL colleagues can make in local schools, including being role models for young people.”