Wincanton, the largest British logistics business, has launched Your Future, a new two-year training programme aimed at attracting more young people to the logistics industry.
Your Future embodies the ‘Next Generation’ theme of this year’s RHA National Lorry Week, which took place last month to encourage more young people to consider the logistics industry as a viable career path, and to raise awareness of the key role that the industry plays in everyday life.
James Tooze, a Wincanton site general manager, said: “Logistics is the life blood of the economy but when it comes to selling the industry to young people as a career option, there’s more the industry could do.
“It’s well documented that the industry faces increasing skills shortages and an ageing work force. It’s crucial that the industry acts now to address these challenges and to build a sustainable pipeline of future talent. Your Future is one of the ways Wincanton is looking to do just that.”
Your Future has changed the career proposition that Wincanton offers young people. With training flexibility and personalisation incorporated from the start, the programme builds upon Wincanton’s award-winning and Ofsted accredited training provision and helps trainees develop a range of highly transferrable skills.
Following completion of the programme, trainees can follow a warehouse pathway that includes further management training, or a placement to the site of a major Wincanton customer. Alternatively, they can apply for a driving position following completion of a HGV license.
New trainee Masie, 22, from Atherstone said: “I hadn’t considered a career in logistics until I heard about Wincanton’s Your Future training programme. It certainly broadened my horizons and I think the skills and experience I gain will really help me throughout my career, regardless of where I end up or whatever I end up doing.”
Fellow trainee Spencer, 22, from Coleshill said: “I think the Your Future training programme can help me turn my potential into a successful career path. I was particularly attracted by the variety of the training and the range of transferrable skills it helps you develop.
“Most importantly, my training will follow a personalised plan, which means that everything I do will be tailored to me and my aspirations for the future.”
Initially based at the company’s Midlands site, the programme will be expanded in the coming months. It currently has 12 enrolled trainees and is scheduled to deliver its first cohort of skilled young people into the business by June 2018.
