Logistics UK and RHA urge hauliers to pledge work experience placements
Logistics UK and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) are calling on logistics employers to offer work experience to young people aged 14 to 16. The two organisations want the sector to support a national drive to create 200,000 additional placements across England.
Government drive for 200,000 more placements
The call backs the Government’s National Mission on Work Experience, which follows the Prime Minister’s appeal for employers to give more young people meaningful experience of the workplace. The mission is gathering employer pledges now. Logistics businesses can act straight away by stating how many placements they can realistically offer this academic year.
Logistics UK and the RHA believe the sector has a strong story to tell. Careers in logistics span warehousing, driving, engineering, technology, planning and management, yet many young people never see that range. Work experience gives employers a direct way to change that.
Logistics leaders call on employers to step forward
Logistics UK Chief Executive Ben Fletcher said the mission gives the sector a chance to show what it offers. “At a time when employers across the economy are being asked to step forward, this is a significant opportunity for the logistics sector to highlight the diverse and rewarding careers available across the sector and demonstrate its commitment to developing opportunities for young people,” he commented.
He added: “One of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring that young people understand the breadth of careers available across logistics. Work experience can help showcase the vital role our sector plays, challenge perceptions and inspire the next generation to consider a future in our sector.
“We are pleased to be working alongside the RHA to encourage businesses from across logistics to support this high-profile Government initiative. We would urge employers to make their pledges as soon as possible and help demonstrate the scale of our sector’s commitment to young people and future skills.”
Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, echoed the message. He said: “This is a great opportunity for haulage, coach and van businesses to showcase opportunities for young people to build rewarding careers in road transport. Our industry offers so many different career paths for people from all walks of life; the challenge is connecting with the next generation and inspiring them to consider a future in our sector.
“It’s crucial that we attract more young people into the industry and build the foundations for a thriving future, so that’s why we’re delighted to be collaborating with Logistics UK in support of the Government’s National Mission on Work Experience.”
How logistics employers can pledge work experience
The initiative welcomes employers of all sizes. That includes businesses that already host work experience and those considering it for the first time. Companies do not need a fully developed programme before they pledge. Local Careers Hubs can help employers design worthwhile placements and connect with nearby schools.
The Careers & Enterprise Company is delivering the National Mission on Work Experience in partnership with No. 10 and the national network of Careers Hubs. Businesses can register their commitment through the National Mission on Work Experience website.
Logistics UK also asks members to tell the organisation once they have pledged. This lets it track the sector’s collective contribution.
