Talent in Logistics to challenge industry perceptions at new FTA event

Wednesday 02 October 2019

Only 8% of people aged between 11-20 years old consider logistics to be an attractive career option, according to a recent study by Talent in Logistics. To help businesses understand and overcome the factors discouraging young people from joining the logistics workforce, Ruth Edwards, Talent in Logistics’ Business Development Director, will present the findings from her whitepaper at FTA’s new event, The Labour Shortages Conference, sponsored by Manpower.

Taking place at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel in Birmingham on Tuesday 29 October 2019, a variety of expert speakers will provide the audience with the practical knowledge and tools they need to recruit and retain staff of all ages.

Sally Gilson, Head of Skills at FTA, the voice of the logistics sector, comments: “The logistics sector is facing a nationwide shortage of labour, with businesses anticipating 15 per cent of their current HGV driver vacancies will go unfilled; this concern is also mirrored for warehouse staff, fitters, technicians and mechanics. Attracting younger generations into the workforce is vital to help tackle the labour shortage, but with just 8% of people aged between 11-20 years old drawn to a career in logistics, it is clear we need to change the perception of the industry and alter recruitment strategies. We are thrilled Ruth Edwards from Talent in Logistics will present the findings from her whitepaper, Changing Perceptions: Attracting Young Talent into Logistics, to enlighten the audience on how they can adjust their recruitment strategies to appeal to workers of all ages.”

Ruth Edwards, Business Development Director at Talent in Logistics, comments: “I’m really looking forward to speaking at The Labour Shortages Conference to share our findings around the thoughts and opinions of the next generation of professionals. One of the key themes we discuss as a business is attracting talent, and so this session will hopefully provide attendees with thought provoking ideas for their future recruitment strategies.”

Jason Greaves, Operations Director at ManpowerGroup says: “Widening and deepening the talent pool for the logistics industry is of critical importance. Part of this relies on our ability to make logistics a number one career destination for the next generation. I’m looking forward to hearing Ruth share the Talent in Logistics whitepaper findings about industry perceptions and what they mean for those just starting out in the workforce and the employers we work with.”

Combining interactive workshops, case studies and informative speaker sessions, delegates at the event will learn how to engage effectively with local communities, produce relevant recruitment campaigns, implement training programmes and build impactful social media strategies.

The price to attend for FTA members is £295 + VAT and the price for non-members is £350 + VAT. For more information, or to book your place, please visit www.fta.co.uk/lsc19

Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods.  With Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc.  A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.