Logistics UK and RHA back national drive for 200,000 work experience opportunities

Logistics UK and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) are urging logistics employers across the sector to pledge work experience opportunities for young people aged 14 to 16, as part of a national drive to create 200,000 additional placements across England. The organisations are calling for employers to step forward and support the Government’s National Mission on Work Experience, following the Prime Minister’s call for employers to help give more young people meaningful experience of the workplace.

The National Mission on Work Experience is currently gathering employer pledges for placements, and logistics businesses are being encouraged to act now by pledging the number of work experience opportunities they can realistically provide during this academic year.

“At a time when employers across the economy are being asked to step forward, this is a significant opportunity for the logistics sector to highlight the diverse and rewarding careers available across the sector and demonstrate its commitment to developing opportunities for young people,” commented Logistics UK Chief Executive Ben Fletcher. “One of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring that young people understand the breadth of careers available across logistics. Work experience can help showcase the vital role our sector plays, challenge perceptions and inspire the next generation to consider a future in our sector.

“We are pleased to be working alongside the RHA to encourage businesses from across logistics to support this high-profile Government initiative. We would urge employers to make their pledges as soon as possible and help demonstrate the scale of our sector’s commitment to young people and future skills.”

The initiative is open to employers of all sizes, including those that already offer work experience and those considering it for the first time. Businesses do not need to have a fully developed programme in place before pledging, and support is available through local Careers Hubs to help employers develop meaningful experiences and connect with schools.

Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said: “This is a great opportunity for haulage, coach and van businesses to showcase opportunities for young people to build rewarding careers in road transport. Our industry offers so many different career paths for people from all walks of life; the challenge is connecting with the next generation and inspiring them to consider a future in our sector.

“It’s crucial that we attract more young people into the industry and build the foundations for a thriving future, so that’s why we’re delighted to be collaborating with Logistics UK in support of the Government’s National Mission on Work Experience.”

The National Mission on Work Experience is being delivered by the Careers & Enterprise Company in partnership with No. 10 and the national network of Careers Hubs, and businesses can register their commitment through: National Mission on Work Experience.  Logistics UK is also encouraging members to notify the organisation once they have made a pledge, enabling the sector’s collective contribution to be monitored.

Business group Logistics UK champions the logistics sector, the backbone of the UK economy and global trade, providing a unique, authoritative voice for its members. As the only trade association representing the whole industry, it supports more than 22,000 members, operating in road, rail, waterways, sea and air freight, in ports, airports and warehousing, as well as the customers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers. The group delivers industry representation, services and thought leadership to support a sector that is critical to economic growth, employing 8% of the UK workforce, contributing £175 billion in annual GVA and enabling over £1 trillion of international trade. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk

The RHA is the UK’s largest dedicated trade association representing HGV, coach and van operators. It provides a strong, authoritative voice for its members, working with government, policymakers and local authorities across the UK on the issues that matter most to the road transport sector. Their campaigning priorities span legislative reform, rising fuel costs, improved roadside facilities, and the transition to a net zero transport system.

Their 8,300 members benefit from access to expert technical and professional services, helping them comply with industry regulations and run their businesses efficiently. They also deliver a wide range of accredited training programmes to support workforce development and operational excellence.