Speaking at Road Transport Expo 2023, transport secretary Mark Harper confirmed that the DfT will continue to support the pioneering campaign that creates the next generation of logistics workers by challenging perceptions and demonstrating the breadth and diversity of the career opportunities available within the sector.
Impressive results
Launched in August 2022, Generation Logistics is a collaboration between more than 40 leading companies and trade associations from across the industry, managed by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT(UK)) and Logistics UK. Over the last year, Generation Logistics has delivered a comprehensive awareness campaign, championing individuals and “best in class” organisations to highlight how a career in logistics will ‘Push Your Boundaries’.
To date, the campaign has generated impressive results:
- Reached an audience of over 340 million people, and climbing
- Generated over 500,000 visits to the Generation Logistics Hub (www.generationlogistics.org), which is packed with information about logistics and opportunities within the sector
- Resulted in almost three million engagements with interested individuals on social media alone
Critical time for a vital sector
Phil Roe, executive sponsor of Generation Logistics, said: “It is fantastic news that the DfT has committed to supporting Generation Logistics for a further year and is recognition of the results we have achieved so far. This support lays the foundations for the campaign to push into its second year at what is a critical time for the industry.
“As a sector, it is incumbent on us to do everything we can to highlight to young people embarking on their careers that logistics is an amazing sector to go into. You really can travel the world, but equally with developments in autonomous and remote vehicles, it’s no exaggeration to say you will be able to have a role working with the latest technology and perhaps even a nine-to-five desk job operating HGVs.”
Transport secretary, Mark Harper said: “The first year of Government funding has had a positive impact, showcasing the diversity of career opportunities in this vital sector. That is why we are pleased to announce additional year two funding to further build resilience into the sector.
“We continue to work closely with industry leaders, like CILT (UK) and Logistics UK, to fully understand the needs of the industry and this is yet another step we are taking to grow the economy and support industry across the UK.”
Changing perceptions
As Generation Logistics moves into its second year, its focus becomes raising awareness among those aged 13-24 and educators in schools and colleges about the industry and the opportunities it presents to young people through quality-assured, curriculum-mapped resources.
Bethany Windsor, programme manager of Generation Logistics said: “We are passionate about changing the perception of the sector and promoting logistics as a career of choice. Our initial research showed young people were reticent about a career in logistics largely because they didn’t know what it involved.
“Generation Logistics is showcasing the myriad of critical and fulfilling roles required to ensure the right thing is in the right place at the right time and customers across the globe are happy.”
Organisations interested in supporting Generation Logistics in the second year of its campaign should contact Generation Logistics: generationlogistics@logistics.org.uk