Fortec Distribution Network is making significant steps to persuade young people to consider logistics in a fresh light when looking at career options by offering a number of opportunities ranging from apprenticeships to internships.
The company's board believes that youngsters are unaware of the career potential in the transport and logistics industry or the rewarding job opportunities it presents.
"Not many people say that they want to go into transport when they are at school – it's not seen as a particularly aspirational career path," said Chris Dennigan, Network Support Manager of Fortec Distribution Network.
"But I do know plenty of people who now enjoy good careers in logistics – and we want to spread that message to young people who, after all, will be the lifeblood of our industry in years to come.
"In most cases young people don't consider logistics at all – they simply do not know what career options on offer and we as an industry need to do more to show them what opportunities there are.
"Young people tend to be attracted to IT, the media and the fitness industry, which are all glamorous professions with a high profile, but they overlook sectors such as logistics which play such a large part in modern life."
The company already has two apprentices who work in Network Support and Sales, and a third will soon be starting to learn an operational role, from driving forklift trucks to planning delivery routes. All are on two-year apprenticeships and study on day release at college one day a week for an NVQ.
This year Fortec will also host a graduate trainee for the first time. The trainee is on a year-long training programme in IT and accounts with Fortec's parent company, the French-based logistics giant Geodis.
The training opportunities are not just extended to apprentices – there are five young people currently studying for NVQs in the company.
Furthermore in the summer Fortec will be repeating its successful move into showcasing the attractions of a career in logistics by offering a summer internship to a student at Guilsborough School in Northamptonshire.
Last year A-level student Connor Watkins was mentored during his final year at school by Fortec then joined the company for the summer in a partnership between Fortec, the school and national charity Career Academies UK, which aims to bridge the gap between education and the workplace.
Mr Dennigan commented: "While some careers are high profile, logistics could be said to be almost "invisible" – people know goods have to be transported around the country but take the service completely for granted. They don't see the complexity, challenges and job satisfaction which are on offer."
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