To give the UK the best chance of success following the COVID-19 pandemic and our exit from the EU, we must ensure that people from different backgrounds, including schools, colleges, and universities, have the skills that open up new opportunities, both now and in the future. If we do not address the immediate and future skills shortages across the logistics and supply chain sectors, this could undermine the resilience of the UK supply chains.

There is a need to:

• Produce a pipeline of talent across the logistics and supply chain sectors by improving the training and employment options
• Address the awareness and negative perceptions of the sectors
• Promote the availability of attractive, fulfilling jobs at all levels of the sectors for people of all backgrounds

Skills for Logistics are partnering with Further Education (FE) colleges to support the logistics industry by addressing the skills gap now and in the future.

The sector faces recruitment challenges and grapples with an ageing workforce. This is made more difficult by the fragmented nature of the industry and the lack of awareness of the different career opportunities. This also links to the Department for Transport (DfT) Future of Freight Paper.

The industry will lead on ensuring the freight and logistics sector will be seen as an industry of choice for a diverse group of talented and skilled people at all stages of their careers, and therefore, we can thrive.

The Skills White Paper provided by the government aims to strengthen links between employers and further education providers by putting employers at the heart of the education system. Employers must have their input on the types of skills required now and in the future as the rate of automation has accelerated within the sector. Course content and design are vitally important so that future logisticians have the appropriate skills and knowledge.

Recognising the importance of ensuring a dedicated focus addresses the workforce challenges for the sectors, Skills for Logistics have established relationships with FE colleges across the UK – a partnership aligned with the DfT five pillars and the skills strategy.

As a logistics employer, you can get involved in the programme. Skills for Logistics have created a network of colleges that are motivated towards finding the right people for the right jobs with the necessary skills and experience for local market needs.

Firstly, we need your input to ensure the curriculum meets your needs.

By being involved with the Skills for Logistics FE Skills Programme, you can benefit in several ways:

• Improve local logistics curriculum to meet your business needs, now, and in the future,
• Access training services, solutions and funding offered by your local FE College for existing colleagues
• Discuss apprenticeship opportunities
• Recruitment of skilled young people adds to your talent pipeline
• Support industry placements for students, a “try before you hire“ scheme
• Attend college careers events to advertise, recruit, and fill current vacancies

If you are an employer or an FE college and would like to learn more about our FE College Skills Programme, please fill out our contact form or call us at 0117 927 8800.