Trade groups team up for national work experience drive

Logistics UK and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) are collaborating to encourage logistics employers across the sector to offer work experience opportunities for 14-to-16-year-olds, as part of a drive to create 200,000 new placements across England.

The two trade associations are urging employers to support the government’s National Mission on Work Experience, echoing the prime minister Andy Burnham’s recent call for more young people to be given meaningful workplace experience.

Employers of any size can take advantage of the initiative, whether they already offer work experience or are considering it for the first time. It is not necessary to have a fully developed programme in place before making a pledge; local Careers Hubs can help employers develop meaningful experiences and facilitate connections with schools.

Logistics UK CEO Ben Fletcher

Logistics UK chief executive Ben Fletcher said: “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.

“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, added: “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.”

The delivery body for the mission is the Careers & Enterprise Company, working in partnership with No. 10 and the national network of Careers Hubs. Businesses can register a commitment at the website. Logistics UK is also encouraging members to notify the organisation once they have made a pledge, to enable monitoring of the sector’s collective contribution.