DAF backs logistics skills initiative

An industry-led initiative to encourage young people to consider logistics as a career has won ‘substantial’ financial backing for the next three years from DAF Trucks, Britain’s leading truck manufacturer.

Working through charitable national training provider Career Academies UK, Think Logistics has already been delivering industry-specific awareness seminars at schools and colleges, and DAF Trucks became involved when it and the RHA were joint hosts at a presentation for students from a local college at the Commercial Vehicle Show.

Think Logistics was founded by Abbey Logistics boss Steve Granite. He himself joined what was then Abbey Road Tanks of Liverpool as a trainee accountant as a teenager in 1995, and became managing director at the age of 29.

Worried by an apparent lack of awareness of the opportunities for young people in the logistics sector among careers teachers and advisors, last year he joined forces with London-based Career Academies UK with the aim of organising logistics and careers seminars at schools and colleges.

The idea rapidly found traction and the first Think Logistics Academy opened at Liverpool’s West Derby School at the start of the academic year last September. Further Logistics Academies are planned for the north east, Humberside, the east midlands and the south west.

Mentoring programmes to assist students in launching careers in logistics have attracted support from the likes of Caterpillar, CM Downton, DHL, Eddie Stobart, Brian Yeardley Continental, Matthew Kibble Transport, Rhys Davies Logistics and Bibby Distribution.

Think Logistics said it wants companies of all sizes to get involved, and has the objective of reaching 1,000 young people with a Think Logistics workshop in 2013- 2014.

Further funding to the tune of £50,000 has come from the Edge Foundation, an independent charity dedicated to raising the status of technical, practical and vocational learning.

DAF Trucks managing director Ray Ashworth said: “At last, a serious initiative addressing the industry’s root concerns.

“I’ve been deeply impressed with Think Logistics and how it has been engaging directly with young people at schools and colleges.

“With Steve Granite’s infectious passion for trucks and transport, and with his unwavering determination to attract a new generation to what is such a dynamic industry, we have an irresistible combination with genuine potential to open the eyes of young people to a range of job opportunities they may not have considered previously. I believe we have the ingredients here to excite the next generation.”

* To get your company involved, email ian.nichol@careeracademies.org.uk