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Efforts to drive home the real meaning of logistics are starting to pay off for students in Stockton.
The area’s first Logistics Academy – a programme raising awareness of the industry - is seeing its first batch of learners move into higher education or employment.
“With them they are taking a fundamental knowledge of the industry that will enable them to further spread the word and see the vast range of opportunities that exist within it,” said Michael Duffey, Stockton Riverside College’s Head of Construction and Professional Services.
That, he says, can be half the battle when it comes to putting the spotlight on this often overlooked industry and a step in the right direction when it comes to filling future skills gaps.
There are currently 2.3m people employed in logistics in the UK, yet according to Jim French, chairman of the Logistics Academy and director and past chairman of the Road Haulage Association, the industry faces great difficulty in attracting young people.
He said: “The demographic profile of those currently working in the industry means that within the next 15 years 50% will have retired.”
The Logistics Academy, launched by Stockton Riverside College in 2015, working in partnership with PD Ports, Career Ready, Think Logistics and NETA Training, aims to bring the sector to the attention of a younger audience and put the spotlight on the variety of career opportunities available.
Employers across the Tees Valley and wider region have been quick to support the initiative, offering industry-focused workshops, site visits, mentoring services and work placements - all delivered alongside students’ full-time courses.
Students have worked with industry giants including PD Ports, KP Snacks, Devereux, AV Dawson, Clipper Logistics and Bulkhaul.
“The Logistics Academy has helped me to network and feel better able to speak to different people,” said SRC Bede Sixth Form student James Cornwell who is now going on to study Computer Science at Leeds University.
“I have found it very beneficial,” said NETA student Connor Baxter. Having successfully secured an apprenticeship in machining, he added: “The confidence I have gained will help with everything in the future.”
The area’s first Logistics Academy – a programme raising awareness of the industry - is seeing its first batch of learners move into higher education or employment.“With them they are taking a fundamental knowledge of the industry that will enable them to further spread the word and see the vast range of opportunities that exist within it,” said Michael Duffey, Stockton Riverside College’s Head of Construction and Professional Services.
That, he says, can be half the battle when it comes to putting the spotlight on this often overlooked industry and a step in the right direction when it comes to filling future skills gaps.
There are currently 2.3m people employed in logistics in the UK, yet according to Jim French, chairman of the Logistics Academy and director and past chairman of the Road Haulage Association, the industry faces great difficulty in attracting young people.
He said: “The demographic profile of those currently working in the industry means that within the next 15 years 50% will have retired.”
The Logistics Academy, launched by Stockton Riverside College in 2015, working in partnership with PD Ports, Career Ready, Think Logistics and NETA Training, aims to bring the sector to the attention of a younger audience and put the spotlight on the variety of career opportunities available.Employers across the Tees Valley and wider region have been quick to support the initiative, offering industry-focused workshops, site visits, mentoring services and work placements - all delivered alongside students’ full-time courses.
Students have worked with industry giants including PD Ports, KP Snacks, Devereux, AV Dawson, Clipper Logistics and Bulkhaul.
“The Logistics Academy has helped me to network and feel better able to speak to different people,” said SRC Bede Sixth Form student James Cornwell who is now going on to study Computer Science at Leeds University.
“I have found it very beneficial,” said NETA student Connor Baxter. Having successfully secured an apprenticeship in machining, he added: “The confidence I have gained will help with everything in the future.”
