GXO degree apprentice Owen Anderson is encouraging A-level students to look at the benefits of combining university study with hands-on experience as the logistics sector looks to attract more young people.
Anderson chose a supply chain management degree apprenticeship with GXO because his degree is fully funded by the logistics operator, allowing him to avoid student debt while earning a salary and gaining valuable workplace experience.
He also wanted to develop practical skills alongside his academic studies to improve his future employability.
Anderson first became interested in logistics after attending an open day at Sheffield Hallam University with his sixth form.
A presentation about GXO’s apprenticeship programme introduced him to an industry he had previously known little about.
“It portrayed logistics as an ever-evolving environment that embraces change to be successful and every day provides variety,” he said.
Now in his first year as a supply chain management degree apprentice, Anderson is studying towards a Professional Practice in Supply Chain Leadership qualification.
He said: “This course has exceeded my expectations. The block learning style means you can return to work and instantly apply your knowledge to your everyday role and in the real world.”
Anderson said one of the highlights of his role had been working on continuous improvement projects, including developing and implementing his own ideas.
He has been given the opportunity to pitch ideas to senior management and use automation tools to improve operational processes.
“The support is immense with you having your own personal mentor, a learning coach and supportive colleagues,” he said.
“I have been given real autonomy and responsibility, allowing me to make a genuine impact on the operation even as a first-year apprentice.”
He said the experience had also significantly improved his confidence and emotional intelligence.
“I am no longer afraid to make mistakes as that is how you learn and grow,” he added.
One of his proudest achievements was leading a project based on his own idea to tackle a recurring operational problem.
“After a successful pitch to senior management, I was given a week to implement the process, which felt impossible at the time, but with determination and a need to get my process working, I succeeded,” he explained.
Anderson is encouraging students considering their options after A-levels to look at logistics and degree apprenticeships.
“Go for it! The career opportunities are endless, whether you want to work in operations or supporting functions; logistics is evolving rapidly, and GXO are leading the way,” he said.
“From my experience at GXO, I would recommend degree apprenticeships as they give you experiences and challenges that no classroom will teach you.”
Bethany Windsor, programme director at Generation Logistics, said Anderson’s experience demonstrated that traditional university was not the only route into a professional career.
She added: “A degree apprenticeship provides so many benefits like graduating with no debt, experience both working and student lifestyles simultaneously, and having a full-time job once you are qualified.
“It can provide the perfect balance for those not quite ready for full-time employment, but don’t want to do a traditional university degree.
“The logistics sector has so many opportunities to offer, and could provide you with a long-term, progressive career path via a degree apprenticeship.”
Generation Logistics, which is supported by industry sponsors including GXO, aims to encourage young people to explore careers across the sector.
For those wanting to find out more about job opportunities, Generation Logistics has created a quiz to see which role could fit with your future: www.generationlogistics.org/find-your-future/
