Logistics UK backs DfE’s campaign to raise awareness of apprenticeships

The ‘Career Starter Apprenticeships’ campaign aims to explain existing apprenticeships to young people in a way they can understand and relate to. The intention is for more young people, and their parents, to actively consider apprenticeships when making career choices.

DfE’s research indicates that many young people and their parents do not consider the full range of apprenticeships that are suitable for those starting their career. DfE aims to increase the number of young people who proactively explore apprenticeships as an option by illustrating a career path in a certain sector, in a way that is appealing and exciting.

CAREER STARTER APPRENTICESHIPS (CSAs)

DfE and IfATE have worked in partnership to identify certain apprenticeships that fit a range of criteria, making them particularly suitable for career starters. While these are not new apprenticeship standards, they will be promoted in a fresh way that young people can relate to and find appealing.

Carolyn Savage OBE, Head of Youth Engagement and Apprentice participation, Department for Education, said: "Apprenticeships are key to supporting young people into the jobs of the future. With Career Starter Apprenticeships, we're showcasing opportunities for young people to take their first steps after leaving full-time education in careers that have excellent long-term prospects. We're also encouraging young people to consider industries they may not have thought of, such as transport and logistics, which can offer rewarding, lifelong careers.”

The first tranche of Career Starter Apprenticeships materials was published in August and includes the International Freight Forwarding Specialist L3 apprenticeship.

FREIGHT FORWARDING SPECIALIST

A freight forwarding apprentice will organise shipments to move goods from the manufacturer or producer to a market, customer or final point of distribution. Given the crucial customs knowledge required for this apprenticeship, salary expectations are competitive, ranging between £13-22k and look set to increase.

Typical tasks could include shipment booking, preparing and submitting customs declarations to HMRC, liaison with carriers, ports and handling agents around the world, transport requirements, and sales quotations, invoicing and financial procedures.

Once the 18-month apprenticeship has been completed, there will be many pathways a career could follow, from customer service sales or supply chain to specialist roles such as aerospace, automotive, retail or events. There is potential to move into well-paid procurement roles, or supply chain jobs, and plenty of scope for sideways moves into different industries from fashion to automotive. Apprentices can specialise in the air, road or ocean pathways to ensure their company complies with customs, import and export laws and regulations.

Alexandra Herdman, Public Policy Manager, Logistics UK, said: “The International Freight Forwarding Specialist apprenticeship standard offers scope for a broad and worthwhile career in the logistics sector and is backed and supported by many of our major members, including DHL and Kuehne + Nagel.

“The excellent materials produced by DfE and IfATE to promote the Career Starter Apprenticeships have all tested well with young people, and Logistics UK is urging its members to get involved by sharing them with relevant colleagues responsible for HR and recruitment.

“The skills crunch facing logistics has been well documented, and it is vital to attract a broader range of young people into the sector and supply the talent needed to produce the industry leaders of tomorrow.”

Employers can advertise their apprenticeship vacancies on the government’s Recruit an Apprentice service for free and receive support via the Helpdesk service on 0800 015 0600.

*www.logistics.org.uk/skills

Published On: 20/10/2022 15:45:00

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