Combatting the logistics skills famine

The UK is facing a chronic lack of skilled personnel within a number of industries including construction, IT and manufacturing. It seems the logistics industry in particular is suffering more than others, with the FTA recently warning that the skills shortage in the sector has reached crisis point*. The logistics sector underpins the operation of many other businesses and its overall contribution to the economy is huge. A lack of young people being attracted to join this important sector coupled with the aging profile of workers is recognised as a real concern. A survey conducted by recruitment agency, Blue Arrow, discovered that 80% of a logistics workforce studied were aged between 35 and 60, with just 20% in their twenties and early thirties*. In addition to this, the UK Logistics Conference Index recently noted the supply chain sector will need an additional 650,000 workers between now and 2020 to meet its needs and warned there isn’t enough new talent coming into the industry*.

Has logistics got an image problem?

A report by the Baker Dearing Educational Trust identified that young people have an outdated perception of the logistics industry and may consider it as a low skilled profession. The industry is struggling to target those with qualifications, due to this skewed viewpoint and many overlook the diverse roles available in the sector. From software engineers to data analysts, the logistics industry is constantly advancing and is becoming increasingly more technical. IT skills are now essential with many roles requiring high level expertise in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects.

Leading international freight forwarder, Rhenus Logistics UK has acknowledged this issue and has worked hard to think of new ways to excite and educate students considering logistics as a career. From hosting careers evenings to creating and implementing its first ever graduate scheme this year, Rhenus is showcasing a number of ways to tackle the lack of fresh talent entering the industry.

David Williams, managing director at Rhenus, said: “The logistics sector needs to consider a more creative approach with regards to its graduate recruitment. A new strategy is needed across the board to educate students about the opportunities available in logistics. A rise in technology means multi-skilled jobs are now the norm, and this has created an array of new roles in the industry.

“Businesses should cast their net wider when looking for potential graduates and school leavers and consider students from non-traditional subjects. Qualifications could range from a flare in maths to a degree in IT, as the logistics industry continues to advance alongside technology. It is important to recognise people with the right skill set and attitude, rather than knowledge of the sector.”

A new approach to recruitment

Rhenus recently employed two graduates at the end of 2014. Chester University Archaeology graduate, Michael Beeston, is currently completing the programme, based at Rhenus Bradford. Throughout the 24 month scheme, Michael will be working closely with the team in Germany, developing a new web tool. The Road Transport Management System (RTMS) calculates journeys and will be integrated across the whole of the UK initially and eventually implemented internationally.

Beeston said: “When I was searching for jobs I spotted the Rhenus graduate scheme advertised on a job site, this was one of few that specified that experience in logistics was not necessary. This was great news for me as I had studied archaeology at university but didn’t consider this as a long-term career. Throughout my studies I looked at different industries and I found a spark for logistics. I knew that it was more than just trucks and really did my research to understand the deeper functions behind the industry. Acquiring particular skills in my studies, such as quantitative data handling and health, safety and risk awareness, I could see how these could be transferred and used to my advantage in the logistics industry.”

Beeston continues: “During the first couple of months I had a steep learning curve, full of memorising terminologies to internal training sessions. This has now all paid off. I’ve already had the opportunity to travel to Germany six times and there are plans in the pipeline to travel further in Europe. I feel incredibly valued at Rhenus and would recommend the graduate scheme for anyone looking for a long term career. If you have a determined frame of mind, leadership qualities and can commit to a project then you should consider a career in logistics. Logistics truly is a job for life.”

David Williams concludes: “Education needs to take place at the grass-roots level with schools, so students can understand what logistics entails and what future they can have in this industry. If this is done successfully, we may have a chance at bridging the gap to help sustain growth in the UK’s logistics industry. We’re part of one of the most important sectors driving the economic growth and as the sector grows, it is crucial we play a part in supporting and inspiring the next generation. The reason we have created our graduate scheme programme is to provide a career for aspiring graduates and encourage students to consider a career in the logistics industry.

“We’re delighted with Michael’s progress, especially as he had no specific experience in logistics. With this in mind, companies should really look at being more open minded in the recruitment process by taking note of the character of candidates, not just the specific qualifications presented.”