Apprenticeships – a different route to leadership

Providing a blend of practical hands-on experience and classroom training, apprenticeships are increasingly being seen as an effective way to shape, train and nurture the potential logistics leaders of tomorrow.

In a week that saw hundreds of thousands of young people across the UK receive their A-level results and plan for the next steps in their career and education, it is worth noting that while university applications increased by four per cent in 2021, job applications for degree and higher-level apprenticeships have risen by a quarter.

Ben Milligan, 20, from Mirfield, West Yorkshire, gained good A-level grades but, unlike most of his friends, was determined to find an apprenticeship rather than a university place. He shared his story with Logistics Magazine, outlining why he chose the route of an apprenticeship with the help of Seetec Outsource after gaining his A-levels.

Having secured an ocean freight exports apprenticeship with Logistics UK member DHL Global Forwarding (UK) Ltd and gaining a distinction, he now works in air and ocean exports and hopes to progress to a management role in the near future.

How did you hear about the apprenticeship opportunity at DHL Global Forwarding?

I was actively looking for an apprenticeship and using a number of sites to browse the various roles, but it was actually the government apprenticeship website in which I found DHL Global Forwarding. I saw an opportunity to apply for a large market-leading company like DHL and took it with both hands. Thankfully I was successful with my application.

Have you always had an interest in transport and logistics?

In all honesty, no. However, once I secured my interview I did some prior research into the logistics sector and was intrigued as to how you got goods from point A to point B and all the processes and documentation you need in place in order for this to happen. 

Why did you choose an apprenticeship over a full-time college course?

I had enjoyed doing A-levels but that was enough for me. I didn’t want to sit in lectures, I wanted to take the next step and use the experience of an apprenticeship to gain skills. I have always been a ‘people’ person so I decided this was the right choice for me. I didn’t see a reason to go to university unless I wanted a career that required a degree.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to others approaching school-leaving age?

I would say to school leavers, don’t just focus your research on universities and where in the country you want to go, but give as much attention to apprenticeships. Employers benefit from having an apprentice too, so it’s worth contacting companies to see your options.

How did you juggle your college work with your responsibilities at DHL?

This was something that I was concerned about at first as I knew how time-consuming coursework could be from my time completing my A-levels. However, I had a very understanding and supportive team who allowed me one day a week to complete my college work. Obviously, this may have changed slightly depending on how busy we were, but I was always allocated more time in other weeks if I didn’t get the chance previously.

How do you feel now that you have completed your apprenticeship and joined DHL’s Global Forwarding team?

I am very proud that my position has now been made permanent and it is a joy to work with such a great team up here in Leeds. Furthermore, I am very excited for the future as I have predominantly worked in Ocean Exports but after positive discussions with my manager they would like to introduce me to Air exports which will be a lot quicker paced but a challenge I will take head on.

*www.logistics.org.uk/skills

Published On: 12/08/2021 16:00:00

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