Generation Logistics: “It’s industry’s responsibility to raise awareness of the profession”

As part of the preparations for the second year of the campaign, executive sponsor Phil Roe was invited by leading job listings site Indeed, to address a select group of logistics professionals at the launch of its new networking group Logistics Connect.

Speaking at the launch, which took place at The Ned hotel in the City of London on 25 July, Mr Roe discussed how logistics businesses should tackle the recruitment challenges being faced by the sector and urged the industry as a whole to take responsibility for finding the next generation of logistics talent.

“Raising awareness of our sector is critical if we are to future-proof the industry,” he says, “and Generation Logistics’ research shows only 12 per cent of young people are actively pursuing a logistics career. This is despite young people recognising the importance of the industry, with 40% agreeing that the logistics sector is ‘crucial in keeping the country running’.

“Our research shows that young people are non-committal about logistics as a career choice, not because they are actively discounting it as an option, but because they don’t have enough information to make informed decisions.

“It’s the industry’s responsibility to educate and inform the next generation about the varied and stimulating careers that exist in the profession.”

As Generation Logistics moves into its second year, the campaign’s focus is shifting to raise awareness of the sector among those aged 13-24, as well as targeting educators in schools and colleges with high quality curriculum-mapped resources to use across maths, business studies and geography.

“In addition, the careers guide to logistics will be available for every school and college in the UK and will feature case studies from our Gold Sponsors.”

Roe continues, “We are passionate about changing the perception of the sector and promoting logistics as a career of choice so getting our message into schools is critical. For the industry to thrive and attract the next generation of talent, it is vital that the whole sector comes together behind Generation Logistics to raise awareness of our industry and put us on the same footing as other sectors when new recruits are considering their next steps."

To enable companies of all sizes to back the initiative, Generation Logistics has recently announced an accessible and lower cost sponsorship package for smaller organisations.

As the campaign moves into the next phase, companies with an annual turnover of less than £20m will be able to join the industry initiative as Silver sponsors for £2,000 pa. 

Gold and Silver sponsorship options are also available for larger organisations: companies looking to join Generation Logistics can download more information from the campaign’s hub – Become a Sponsor.

Published On: 10/08/2023 16:00:00

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