The government’s employment drive to support young people into work, announced this week, is a lifeline for the next generation, providing funding that will enable logistics businesses to attract new talent and future proof the industry, according to Ben Fletcher, Logistics UK chief executive,
Under the funding plans an additional £1bn has been invested in grants to unlock over 200,000 paid jobs for young people, providing , employer hiring incentives and an expansion of the Jobs Guarantee from 18-21 to 18-24.
In addition, the government has published the first list of new Apprenticeship Units, to enable the training of people in at all stages in their career in skills identified as vital by Skills England
Fletcher said: “Young people are vital to the continued success of our sector and today’s announcement will ensure that they are supported in considering the meaningful, long-term roles that logistics businesses can offer them.
“The options include apprenticeships to help them earn while they learn and guaranteed employment through the expansion of the Jobs Guarantee scheme.
Fletcher added that the funding will encourage employers from across the sector that have been struggling to recruit staff and ensure a talent pipeline, due to challenging economic headwinds.
He added: “Many logistics businesses have been operating on incredibly narrow margins for some time, making new recruitment a pipedream. Today’s announcement will help turn the recruitment tide to a positive and provide a real lifeline for the next generation of logistics workers, as well as businesses of all sizes across our sector.
Fletcher also welcomed the Apprenticeship Units. He said: “The introduction of the first Apprenticeship Units also responds to a longstanding need amongst businesses in our rapidly changing sector to be able to use the Levy to fund flexible, shorter courses on subjects such as AI and working with electric vehicle infrastructure.
“We look forward to continuing to engage with Skills England as this new suite of courses expands to cover more of the skills gaps across the economy.”
“There is still detail to be examined, but the indications are that the combination of funding streams and Apprenticeship Units will enable businesses of all sizes from across the sector to capitalise on the opportunity to employ the next generation at a time when our industry is looking to drive growth right across the economy.
“Losing the Operations Manager apprenticeship standard will be a blow for those looking to step up in the next few years, but the overall picture is positive.
It is now in the hands of the sector to take full advantage of the opportunities that today’s announcement will create, to provide roles and training for the next generation of logistics talent, and ensure the industry can take on the brightest and best in the coming months and years.”
