Logistics Stories

Meg was looking to strike a balance between continuing her studies, and getting hands-on experience in the workplace. Having initially planned doing English at University, she changed tack when she realised that a logistics degree apprenticeship with the DHL renewals excellence team would offer her the combination she wanted.

“My line manager Kelly is extremely supportive and together we try to align my studies to my practice, so that it becomes more relevant. I’m studying for a business management degree and I’ve found modules like economics and leadership really useful in the workplace.”

Her role is all about driving efficiencies across the DHL network, but for Meg the best bit is the support she gets from those she works with.

“I’m getting a degree I’m interested in, workplace experience and a good wage at the same time. And on top of that I get to work with a team that are incredible and have done nothing but support me since the day I started.

“I feel like DHL is really invested in young people.”

My name is Iwona Palak. I was born in Poland and moved to the UK in 2016. Shortly after, in 2017, I joined Asda, embarking on a career journey that has been both rewarding and transformative.

I began as a warehouse colleague, eager to understand the wide range of roles in our warehouse environment. From the beginning, I focused on learning the essentials, which meant transferring across different departments to get a comprehensive view of operations. Through hard work and determination, I earned a promotion to the role of Key Colleague, opening the door to numerous opportunities.

Throughout my journey, I received invaluable support from several managers. They provided clear answers to all my questions, helping me grow at each step. My ambition and passion for learning have always driven me, and the support I received encouraged me to aim for higher positions within Asda. I then transferred to the Despatch Department, where I learned essential skills like loading products safely for store deliveries and managing loading and despatch times effectively.

Driven by a desire to develop myself for a managerial role, I enrolled in Asda’s “You Can Be” programme. This programme has offered me incredible opportunities to learn and grow. This programme has prepared me well for a future role as a Department Manager and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

If someone considering a career in logistics, my advice would be to focus on building both a strategic mindset and a flexible approach to problem-solving. Logistics is a fast-paced, detail-oriented field, so strong analytical skills and attention to detail are essential. Finally, embrace continuous learning. Logistics is constantly evolving with advancements in technology, sustainability practices, and global trends. Staying updated and adaptable will not only make you more competitive but will also open doors to leadership and specialisation opportunities in the field.

As Head of Marketing for CEVA, Lydia manages all UKI Marketing activity, working broadly to oversee the entire marketing mix rather than specialising in just one aspect.

Lydia holds an undergraduate degree in marketing, as well as a further qualification from The Chartered Institute of Marketing, and was approached by a recruiter for the job at CEVA. She hadn’t worked in logistics before, but didn’t consider that to be an obstacle to applying:

“Marketing skills are very transferable across industries. I have good theoretical and practical marketing knowledge, plus people management skills, and therefore a move into a new industry was appealing as I could apply my existing skill set.”

Having picked up knowledge of the industry quickly through the variety of projects she gets to focus on with her team, Lydia loves that she has the ability to work across departments with so many different people on a regular basis.

She counts seeing radio, TV and outdoor ads go live as particularly proud moments in her work to date.

I’m a Customs Supervisor at DP World, and my job is to make sure goods move across borders smoothly and legally.

In simple terms, I help shipments get from one country to another without delays. That means checking paperwork, making sure the right customs documents are completed on time, and speaking to authorities like HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and UK Border Force. If the paperwork isn’t right, goods can get stuck, and that can cause big problems for businesses waiting for their stock.

A big part of my job is problem-solving. Every shipment is different. Sometimes documents are missing, information is incorrect, or systems don’t work as they should. When something goes wrong, it’s up to us to fix it quickly. We often work to tight deadlines because goods need to be cleared fast to avoid delays. It can be high-pressure, but that’s what makes it interesting.

I didn’t go to university. Instead, I completed a Level 2 Customs Academy Award, which gave me the foundation I needed to work in customs. From there, I learned a lot on the job.

I found this role through an internal advert. I was already working in the business and decided to apply for the opportunity to progress.

What attracted me to the position was the challenge. Customs rules can change with very little notice, so you have to stay updated all the time. You’re also speaking to lots of different people every day — transport teams, warehouse operations, customers, and sometimes even customs offices in other countries. Everyone needs something at the same time, so you have to stay calm and organised.

In my previous role, I worked on stock reconciliation tasks, checking that systems matched up correctly. That gave me a strong understanding of how bonded goods move and how important accuracy is. That experience helped prepare me for customs, where attention to detail is everything.

The best thing about my job is seeing a difficult shipment finally clear because of the work I’ve done. It’s satisfying knowing that my knowledge helped solve the problem. I also enjoy helping younger colleagues build their confidence and skills. Customs is quite a specialised area, and once you build experience, there’s strong career potential because those skills are always in demand.

My biggest career highlight so far has been helping set up the bonded warehouse process for a brand-new site. Being trusted to support something from the beginning and see it successfully up and running was a proud moment for me.

For anyone aged 13–24 thinking about careers, customs might not be something you hear about every day – but it’s a vital part of how the world works. If you enjoy solving problems, working under pressure, and being part of something that keeps goods moving globally, it’s definitely an exciting path to explore.

Josh was attracted to the GXO graduate scheme because logistics was new to him, and he was so excited to learn. Now working as Assistant Finance Manager, where he works to keep the GXO Milton Keynes site running smoothly, Josh first started out on the graduate scheme.

As part of the graduate scheme, Josh completed rotations of different teams to build his skillset.
First, as a Fixed Asset Assistant, he worked on creating CAPEX projects, fixed assets and their registers, and learned to report to the wider business. He then became a credit controller, taking on two ledgers of GXO customers.

“This gave me a good understanding of how large the logistics business is and a good overview of how many customers we serve. I managed to visit a number of sites in this placement, seeing the different challenges faced by each site.”

After just one year of his graduate scheme, Josh became an Assistant Finance Manager, and is currently working towards his level 7 CIMA chartership.

“GXO offers so many different qualifications, I am hoping to complete my CIMA soon so that I can build my development in other areas. For the future, I want to gain as much experience as possible. I don’t see myself moving to another sector as I feel like there is always something new to learn. CFO of GXO one day.”

A highlight for Josh is working and contributing as part of a wider team and GXO community. He loves being able to ask that burning question without worry, and is keen to stress that the support provided is fantastic.

“Working in logistics has been more interesting than I ever thought it could be. To someone considering a career in the industry, I’d say do it, there’s so many different career paths – there’s definitely something that you’ll love to do. Plus it’s secure, people will always need things moving!”

I currently have a split role – 50% of my time is spent in an engagement-focused role, which involves defining our business-wide engagement calendar, working closely with our sites to support their engagement activities, and also managing our bi-annual Employee Engagement Survey across the UK, Ireland and the Nordics. The other 50% of my time is spent within our Learning and Development team, supporting the delivery of exciting new projects, including brand-new learning offer launches and face-to-face learning events. My career in logistics began when I started in an entry-level role within the finance team at CEVA. After 18 months, I took the leap into HR on secondment as maternity cover, and since then, I’ve been exposed to so many amazing learning and development opportunities, not least completing my Level 5 CIPD qualification through an apprenticeship, which has really supported me in both aspects of my  role. I learned so much more about the areas I work in and the other specialist areas of HR. I also developed many valuable skills that support me within my role and empower me to challenge myself and think more broadly and strategically.

Before I joined the logistics industry, my perception was quite stereotypical; I saw it primarily as moving goods from point A to point B. However, after joining the industry, my understanding has completely transformed. I am now in awe of the numerous moving parts and intricate processes required to run the sector effectively. Logistics is truly the backbone that keeps the world moving, and witnessing firsthand the innovation and technological advancements within the industry has been incredibly inspiring. I also didn’t anticipate the vast array of opportunities within the business and the HR team and the emphasis on constant development and learning. I was also guilty of thinking the workforce was made up of male lorry drivers. However, my team is predominantly made up of strong and successful women, which is so inspiring! It’s incredible to be surrounded by that every day and to see other women paving the way in the industry – it gives me the drive and determination to follow in their footsteps and hopefully pave the way for many more women!

The best thing about my role is the variety I get – no two days are the same, which I love! It’s also great to work so closely with sites and people across the wider business, not just within the UK but on a global basis, too. My proudest achievement would be successfully launching a brand-new bitesize learning offer – ‘2Minutes2Learn: Pour yourself a cup of curiosiTEA’. We wanted to bust the myth that learning has to be completed in long, classroom-style sessions and prove that you can actually learn something new in the time that it takes to boil a kettle! We’ve now launched nearly 10 new topics as part of this suite of learning (and counting!), and we’ve received great feedback from across the business. Given the industry’s fast-paced nature, completing a learning module in just 2 minutes means learning is so much more accessible and that’s something I’m really proud to have accomplished! I think I’ll stay in the industry because of the mix of flexibility and development that I have. After returning from maternity leave at the end of 2023, I reduced my hours to four days a week, meaning I get an extra day at home with my daughter to be present for her and not have to miss out on making memories together. I am also starting my Level 7 Senior People Professional apprenticeship later this year, which I’m really excited about! It feels amazing to have a work-life balance that works for me and my family and still have development opportunities available. I’m really proud to show my daughter that, as women, there are no limits to what we can achieve!

My advice to someone considering a career in logistics would be to jump in head first and take every opportunity that’s presented to you! Logistics is such an exciting industry with such an exciting future ahead, and there are endless opportunities for you to grow and develop the most incredible career and the most incredible version of yourself! I would say the top three skills that stand out for success in the industry are:

1. Adaptability—The logistics industry is dynamic and fast-paced, and circumstances can change often at the drop of a hat. Being adaptable means you will thrive within this ever-changing environment and become a master at handling and successfully navigating unexpected challenges!
2. Great communication—Within the industry, you are exposed to so many different stakeholders. Whether you’re meeting with a customer, involved in implementing a new site/contract, or part of a brand-new project team, you are always interacting and communicating with a variety of different people at different levels and within different teams, both externally and internally.
3. Drive—pardon the pun! There are so many opportunities to grow and develop and be exposed to so many exciting things. The opportunities are endless for those who want to grow and develop within the industry, so grab each one with both hands!

I’m a Head of Development at GXO Logistics, working directly with our Sales Director. My role is focused on delivering new business, primarily across transport opportunities, which is where my background lies. However, I also get involved in a wide range of solutions across different sectors.

I am an Automation First Line Manager for GXO Logistics. My role’s priority is to meet KPIs and to enable the AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicle) to work efficiently to deliver results. My main responsibility is to oversee the daily operation within the newly implemented automation. Within the area, it is important to manage the allocation of workstations per department, with a need to be agile with fast decision making, based on volume fluctuations and staffing requirements. This task requires great communication between all operational management, as well as collaborating with other functions such as Health, Safety & Facilities, Engineering and Project Management to continually communicate the vision. As well as managing operational efficiencies, I also lead a team of ‘Jam Busters’, whose role is to alleviate any traffic within the AGVs and assist in the daily maintenance of the robots. With this comes HR responsibilities such as managing annual leave requests, probationary reviews, absence management and other administrative duties.

I’m currently in my fourth and final year of study at Sheffield Hallam University, where I study Professional Practice in Supply Chain Leadership through the GXO Apprenticeship scheme. During my studies I’ve focused a lot of my research on automation and used it as a focal point for some of my work-based projects. In doing this, I found a passion for automation, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career down this path. I’ve always been an analytical person, and find I can pick up systems quickly, I think this is what drew me to this type of work originally, and my interests have grown from there.

I joined the GXO apprenticeship at 18, fresh out of Sixth Form, where I studied triple business (BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business) and had previous qualifications in Engineering at GCSE level. Both subjects taught me valuable skills, including problem solving and decision making, two of the most used skills in my role. When studying the global market, and supply and demand in business studies, it piqued my interest in logistics; however, it wasn’t until I found the job description for the apprenticeship that I thought logistics could be possible for me, as it was not a well-discussed job opportunity in school.

As much as my passion is for automation, the best thing about my role is that I’ve been able to curate a team of individuals to work alongside me. I love being able to lead the team and I find it very rewarding watching us grow together, especially as a start-up department. We’re all learning from each other every day, and personally, I find sharing that experience is the best part of my role. My career highlight to date is happening right now! The opportunity to lead the automation implementation project for a brand which I’ve always admired, has been such an honour to play a part in. It was, and still is, an incredibly rewarding experience that combines strategic planning, collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving. Being part of a team that successfully enhances operational efficiency and has optimised processes has been not only fulfilling personally, but also significantly improved the workflow and productivity of the warehouse. Seeing the positive impact of automation first-hand, has reaffirmed my passion for driving technological advancements in the workplace.

Jacob Poxon is an Internal Road Customs Apprentice at Kuehne + Nagel, where he plays an important role in supporting the Internal Imports team. His journey into logistics began when he discovered the apprenticeship opportunity through an online job site. Although logistics was completely new to him at the time, that was exactly what attracted him to the role.

After studying Business and Economics at A-Level, Jacob knew he wanted a career that was fast-paced, detail-focused, and full of opportunity. He was particularly drawn to the idea of joining a growing global business where he could build a long-term career and develop professionally. The apprenticeship offered him the chance to earn, learn and gain industry-recognised qualifications at the same time, including working towards the Level 3 International Freight Forwarding qualification as part of his programme.

In his current role, Jacob supports several key operational areas within the business. The Internal Imports team manages a central inbox handling general enquiries, groupage and non-groupage questions, internal requests and customer emails. They also run an Out of Scope function, processing complex customs entries that overseas teams cannot complete, including Inward Processing entries, deferment issues, entries and specialist declarations.

Another part of the team focuses on Arrivals, working on live shipments, particularly those held at Sevington, maintaining holds lists and unarrived entries lists, resolving issues quickly to release trucks and responding to HMRC queries. The function oversees shipments moving into the  warehouse, logging shipments, placing trailers on hold, managing John Deere T2 movements and handling Stage 1 HMRC queries. In addition, the team supports invoice queries and conducts audits when customers believe an entry may be incorrect, raising amendments with HMRC where required.

As part of his apprenticeship, Jacob will rotate around different customs teams every three months, giving him exposure to a wide range of processes and helping him build a strong foundation across the department.

He believes the skills he developed during school, particularly through Business and Economics, have supported him in understanding how supply chains operate and how global trade impacts businesses. More importantly, he feels his attention to detail has been key in customs, where accuracy is critical.

For Jacob, one of the best things about the role is knowing he is contributing to the team while continuing to learn every day. He values the strong working relationships he has built, saying they make each day more enjoyable and motivating.

His biggest career highlight so far has been receiving positive feedback in his recent progress review. The recognition gave him confidence in the quality of his work and encouraged him to continue improving. He takes pride in fully understanding processes before making decisions and carefully managing his time to balance daily responsibilities with apprenticeship assessments.

Jacob’s story shows that you don’t need previous logistics experience to succeed in the sector. With curiosity, attention to detail and the willingness to learn, an apprenticeship can open the door to a long and rewarding career in global trade!

Before starting at Kuehne+Nagel, Holly knew very little about the logistics industry, and has really enjoyed learning whilst on the job.

“It’s an exciting industry to work in, particularly with the rise of e-commerce, and it’s a stable industry too.”

Now, as Reward & Benefit Lead, Holly is responsible for developing, designing and implementing the Reward Strategy across KNUK, as well as coordinating the existing reward cycles and benefit offerings for everyone at KNUK.

“In the logistics industry, we aim to offer market leading benefits. Some of the topics that I manage include our wellbeing strategy, our gender pay gap, bonus, annual salary reviews and private medical insurance.”

Holly completed a graduate scheme in logistics straight from university, which helped her gain the HR knowledge needed to excel in her role. Holly also gained her CIPD Level 5 qualification during her time as a graduate and, after completing the scheme, spent some time as an HR Business Partner, before building her management experience as HR Service Centre Manager.

She’d never considered the area of rewards and benefits before, but when an opportunity came up, she decided to take the leap. The role centres around some of her favourite parts of her work in general HR, making positive change to her colleagues’ lives and supporting their wellbeing. Now, she manages a small team of two Reward Specialists, too.

The autonomy to drive change within the organisation is one of Holly’s job highlights, and one of her proudest achievements so far has been introducing a colleague forum with the Kuehne+Nagel management board, giving colleagues a voice on topics that matter to them.

“Thanks to the colleague forum we have introduced volunteering days, enhanced our life assurance policy, and implemented a hybrid working approach.”

I joined in September 2019 on the graduate programme. I had a variety of roles during placements with Sainsburys Northampton, Pullman Fleet Services and Defence 4PL Transport. The graduate programme was great for experiencing lots of different areas of the business and help me find the area that I wanted to grow and develop in. After completing the graduation programme, I started my first non-graduate role as a Transport Operations Manager at Weetabix. I then went on to support our Middlewich site, again as a Transport Operations Manager. It was from here that I moved into my current role as Operations and Data Manager within Transport, where I’ve been based at our Data and Reporting Centre of Excellence in Derby until our recent move to The Hub in Nottingham.

Over the past year, I’ve worked closely with our planning teams and wider network on the development of processes and ways of working. Following the businesses purchase of Zeus (our digital platform to help us manage road freight), I’ve become an operational lead for the development and roll out of the digital marketplace of EyeQ, our transformative digital transport product. This has been the most exciting project that I have worked on to date as it has given us exclusive access to market leading technology in the UK that will be integral to our overall EyeQ product offering. The technology delivers a better experience for our partners and will help us to drive savings for our customers through better route and load optimisation. This is a very exciting time and a new opportunity for us to further use tech and automation to enhance the services we provide and support our customer’s net zero goals. It’s been a real privilege to be part of this project, alongside helping with the relocation of the team to our new bespoke Transport hub in Nottingham. Our new home is not only a new space for our colleagues but also a dedicated EyeQ space to share with customers and stakeholders to develop the product further.

The graduate program provided me with professional development and exposure to the wider company network. Being a graduate taught me a lot around resilience and managing change. Placements changed every six months, meaning lots of new teams and new faces. This helped me develop within myself. Whilst I was at Weetabix, I took my national and international Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), a qualification that enables professional drivers to carry certain goods. I managed to pass first time! This has helped me in my role and development within Group Transport. I was also lucky enough to be selected for the 2023 cohort of NextGen emerging leaders. This has given me a further opportunity to develop my personal and professional skills such as presenting, my own learning agility, professional networking, development and self-awareness. As part of NextGen, I’ve been able to network with a fantastic group of colleagues who have all supported my development and achievements. Being in this environment has provided me with a further opportunity to challenge and push myself in a really impactful learning space. The teams I work with are always my inspiration – I want to ensure I can provide the best leadership to my teams for their own development.

Thinking about what’s next for me, my current role is focused on developing the Supplier Support team to ensure we can offer our suppliers and hauliers the best customer service. I’m also focused on rolling out the EyeQ platform to the wider business, as well as ensuring our customers and colleagues receive the best benefits as we grow our digital platform to the wider market. I’m looking forward to the future of EyeQ, the rollout of the digital marketplace and how this will grow the business and develop my role further.

I have worked at DHL Tradeteam for almost 3 years. I joined as a mate and was given the opportunity to becomes a Class 1 Driver. I attended College for a short period but then went straight into work as it wasn’t for me.

Having found the role through job searching and through friends who worked at Tradeteam, I knew that there were opportunities to grow and improve my skills.  I also found that the work life balance was very good and would suit my lifestyle.

The best thing about my role is that I have been able to meet new people and work with many different personalities in a healthy working environment.  This has, in turn, helped me to grow as a person.

My career highlight has been passing my Class 1 Driving which was a great opportunity for me and was supported by colleagues and Management to allow me to be able to achieve this.

Before I began my logistics career, I was actually training in hairdressing. Logistics was only supposed to be something I did part-time—but it quickly became so much more than that. From my first day, I was drawn to the fast pace, the teamwork, and the sense of achievement that comes from seeing operations run smoothly and efficiently.

I joined CEVA 12 years ago as an agency colleague, supporting a leading power cleaning customer. This hands-on, practical work gave me a fundamental understanding of the value of every role in the supply chain. Even at that early stage, I could see logistics’ opportunities for those willing to learn and grow.

Eager to develop, I became a Team Leader and soon after was promoted to a Supervisor, managing the same area where I had first started on the shop floor. That experience was incredibly grounding. It taught me the importance of empathy, communication, and leading by example.

After several years of progression, I became the Operations Manager for our Corby site. During my six years there, I learned how to balance people management with operational excellence and discovered just how rewarding it can be to help others grow in their careers.

Looking for new challenges, I moved to Dartford as a Campus Warehouse Operations Manager, where I spent two years managing a broad and busy operation. It was an excellent opportunity to expand my experience and strengthen my leadership skills.

Two years ago, I joined our Kettering team as Head of Operations. I lead a fantastic team focused on safety, performance, and continuous improvement. Alongside my role, I’m now one year into my Level 7 Senior Leader Master’s Degree—a qualification that will help me enhance my strategic thinking and leadership capability as I progress in my logistics journey.

Looking back, I’m so glad I took that “part-time” opportunity all those years ago. Logistics has given me a career full of growth, challenge, and purpose. My journey proves that there’s no single path into this industry—if you’re open-minded, motivated, and ready to learn, logistics can take you further than you ever expected.

Karter Farrell is a Sea Logistics Intermodal Specialist at Kuehne + Nagel, where he plays a central role in managing the rail movement of containers across the UK. His position focuses on controlling rail traffic for containers, ensuring they move efficiently through the network with minimal disruption. While delays and challenges can sometimes be unavoidable in logistics, Karter’s role is about staying proactive, positive and solution-focused – even when the flow of containers isn’t in his favour!

A key part of his day-to-day responsibilities involves checking that containers are moving within the correct time and date frames to meet customer expectations. Making sure shipments arrive as planned is critical, and when they don’t, clear communication becomes just as important as operational efficiency. His goal is simple: resolve issues quickly and ensure customers are kept informed so everyone walks away satisfied.

The role requires Grade 4 GCSE Maths and Grade 4 GCSE English Language, providing a solid foundation in numeracy and communication — two essential skills in logistics. Karter did not attend university, instead choosing to step directly into the industry and gain hands-on experience.

He discovered the opportunity through GOV.UK and decided to take a chance and apply. Within one day, he received a response and was invited to interview the following week, a fast-moving process that reflected the pace of the sector itself.

What initially attracted him to the role was how sophisticated and dynamic it sounded. The idea of being involved in coordinating rail freight movements and working within a global logistics network was something he wanted to be part of. It offered responsibility, challenge and the opportunity to build specialist knowledge in intermodal transport.

Throughout school and previous experiences, Karter developed strong communication skills and the ability to understand situations from a customer’s perspective. In logistics, delays can happen, and not all news is positive. Being able to handle those conversations professionally, especially when a container doesn’t meet its agreed timeframe, is crucial. He focuses on offering the best possible solution and ensuring customers feel supported, even when circumstances are challenging.

The best part of his role is the continuous learning. Every day brings new knowledge, new scenarios and new challenges. He also values the social side of the job, building relationships with colleagues and being part of a team environment, and, as he puts it, getting paid to develop specialist skills is definitely a bonus!

When asked about his career highlight so far, Karter doesn’t point to one specific moment. Instead, he sees his entire journey as the highlight. From applying on GOV.UK to building expertise in rail operations, each step has contributed to his development. For him, the progression, growth and ongoing experience within the industry have been special and he hopes that journey continues.

My current job is a Continuous Improvement and Planning Support Manager (it’s quite a long winded title I know!), and this is my full time role at B&Q Worksop! I applied for this after doing something similar on my apprenticeship placement at B&Q Redhouse. My job involves ensuring that project are run to the right standard on site. I do this by being involved with the operation as much as possible! Running different meetings and workshops around Continuous Improvement (CI) and the DMAIC framework that CI is heavily influenced on. I also cover the Planning Manager on site when he is away on holidays, which involves data collection, input, and analysis of the operations weekly figures.

Doing my initial research into the business before joining, I expected a lot of unique working opportunities. This expectation was definitely met, with my first two and half years at the company seeing me go into various departments across different sites. My first placement on the apprenticeship programme was at Trax Park on the Husqvarna contract. Initially I was placed into the operational side of things within the warehouse! This was valuable as I had never worked within the logistics sector before, so having this experience was vital to my understanding of the operation. After this, I took on some more senior tasks, such as managing the collection and inputting of targets for the parts and accessories department, along with other reports which I oversaw, such as the investigation and reporting of pick errors for the customer services department.

My second placement was on the B&Q contract at Redhouse distribution centre in Doncaster. Again, firstly going into the operation, but with a set checklist of each department and what I had to learn going into these departments, which was assigned to me by my line manager. This took my through the warehouse from goods in to goods out (and everything in between!). Through doing this, I has a unique opportunity to see the whole operation of a major distribution centre from all responsibilities from a Warehouse Operative all the way to an Operations Manager, giving me a good insight into how a distribution centre is run.

As the third year of my apprenticeship began, I took the opportunity to stay at Redhouse DC and go into the Continuous Improvement department, something which had took my interest from my first placement at Trax Park! This role gave me the opportunity into working alongside the CI Manager on projects on site, helping to guide them, and make sure that the projects were successfully implemented. I also took up doing some workshops on site with colleagues and CI champions to help generate ideas.

The think I enjoyed most about my apprenticeship was flexibility in choice around my placements and opportunities! The programme allows for a lot of choice into doing what interests you. Whether this is the operational side of things, health and safety, or, as in my case, continuous improvement. Working with your entry talent team and on site management you are able to explore these options! When I think about my future, I am most excited about the management of my own team and results, ideally within a Continuous Improvement team. Being able to run my own team and guide the results of this is something I definitely want to do, and being able to pass on any knowledge I learn from the experience I have in the future.

The advice I would give to apprentices joining the sector is to make sure to get out there and make as many connections you can with people! It will definitely help in the future. Take on any opportunities handed to you and pursue whatever interests you within the sector. Also, make sure to devote enough time to your University studies! Being on time with that part of the apprenticeship is essential.

My name is Chloe Finch, and I am an Executive Assistant at CEVA Logistics. I support the Vice President of Ground and Rail Europe and the Managing Director of Contract Logistics, while also assisting the wider business with a range of enquiries and day-to-day support.

An Executive Assistant plays a vital role in supporting senior leadership and helping ensure the smooth running of day-to-day operations. My responsibilities include managing schedules, organising meetings, preparing reports, coordinating travel arrangements and handling confidential correspondence. I also act as a key point of contact between executives and both internal and external stakeholders, so no two days are ever the same.

Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to multitask are essential within my role. Communication and professionalism are also incredibly important, as I work with a wide range of people across the business. Adaptability, discretion and being proactive are key skills that help me manage changing priorities and support the business effectively.

This is my first role in the logistics industry, and stepping into it felt like entering a completely new world. My background has primarily been in administrative and clerical positions within the NHS, so when I first saw the role advertised, I had limited knowledge of logistics. However, I was excited by the opportunity to learn something new and challenge myself in a different environment.

I initially joined CEVA as a Personal Assistant and have since been promoted to Executive Assistant, which has been a proud achievement for me. Since joining the business, I have gained valuable experience, developed new skills and built confidence within my role. I genuinely love what I do and enjoy being part of such a fast-paced and dynamic industry.

One of the things that has surprised me most about logistics is how vast and diverse the industry is. There are so many different career paths and opportunities available across the business, and every role helps keep operations running smoothly.

My advice to anyone considering a career in logistics would be not to be afraid to take that first step. I did, and I don’t plan on looking back. The industry offers fantastic opportunities to grow, learn and develop, regardless of your background or previous experience.

I am currently a Shift Manager in an ambient warehouse, where I take responsibility for the late shift operations. My role involves overseeing the picking of the 24-hour dispatch, ensuring any remaining loads and goods-in tasks are completed for the day, and then setting up and launching the next 24-hour cycle. It’s a fast-paced role that requires strong organisation, clear communication, and the ability to make decisions quickly to keep everything running smoothly.

The role itself doesn’t require specific qualifications, but I progressed into this position through a Logistics Graduate Scheme, which required a minimum of a 2:2 degree. I studied Business and Economics at university, which gave me a solid foundation in analytical thinking and understanding how businesses operate.

I found the opportunity through a job site and was immediately drawn to the nature of the sector. Logistics is active, dynamic, and constantly changing – no two days are the same. I enjoy the need to think on my feet and work with a wide range of stakeholders every day, from warehouse teams to planners and store networks.

During school and previous experiences, I developed key skills that helped me realise I was suited to this type of role. I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers and problem-solving, but equally important were my people skills. Being involved in presentations and captaining a football team helped me build confidence, leadership, and communication skills, all of which are essential in my current role.

The best part of my job is seeing a well-thought-out plan come together. When a shift runs smoothly, targets are met, and we deliver a great service to stores, it’s incredibly satisfying. It’s a real team effort, and being part of that success is what makes the role rewarding.

My biggest career highlight so far has been successfully transitioning from the Graduate Scheme into a Level 3 operational role. That was always my goal when I started, so achieving it felt like a major milestone and a strong step forward in my career.

Logistics is a sector where you can develop quickly, take on real responsibility, and see the impact of your work every single day, which is what makes it such an exciting place to build a career.

Hi, My name is Moaaz Tarar, this week I’ve joined Asda to start the 4-year Degree Apprenticeship Programme, specialising in supply chain leadership. I’m excited to be part of the Wakefield ADC team that keeps one of the UK’s biggest retailers running smoothly behind the scenes.

I’ve just completed my T Levels in Business, and I’ve always been fascinated by how organisations operate, especially the parts customers don’t see. I’ve gained hands-on experience helping run my uncle’s taxi firm, where I learned the importance of coordination, time management, and customer service. I’ve also led teams in fastpaced environments like stadiums and restaurants, which taught me how to stay calm under pressure and motivate others.

I’m passionate about leadership, logistics, and continuous improvement. I bring persistence, resilience, and discipline to every role I take on. I enjoy breaking down complex challenges into practical steps, whether it’s managing operations, solving problems on the fly, or helping a team perform at its best.

I’m looking forward to growing within the Asda organisation, learning from experienced leaders, contributing to real world projects, and building the skills I need to become a successful leader myself.

Nineteen-year-old Jessica Holden, a truck driver hailing from Bury, is poised for a bright future in logistics following her outstanding performance in the LGV driver apprenticeship program with our partners TRS. Employed by MJ Laycock Heavy Haulage Ltd, a family-operated business specialising in transporting paper-making machinery, Jessica embodies a spirited determination for independence.

Raised on her family’s farm, Jessica developed a strong work ethic and a fondness for outdoor endeavours from a young age. To support herself during her school years, she took on various weekend jobs, including washing trucks at MJ Laycock Heavy Haulage. Recognising her diligence, owner Matthew Laycock offered Jessica a position in the office, and later, in August 2022, extended her an apprenticeship opportunity as an HGV driver, facilitated by TRS.

Without hesitation, Jessica embraced the offer, fuelled by a passion for a career offering the autonomy she craved. With a penchant for solitude and self-sufficiency, the world of professional truck driving resonated perfectly with Jessica’s aspirations, aligning harmoniously with her desire for independence.

Inspiration to women considering HGV careers:

To no one’s surprise, Jessica applied herself wholeheartedly to her apprenticeship, working hard to achieve her HGV Class 1 licence and complete all the modules on her course. She received support throughout from her TRS trainer, Gary Thompson who says: “Jessica is amazing! Such a hard worker with the right values and approach to work and life. She thoroughly deserves her distinction and is a truly inspirational role model to any young woman considering a career as an HGV driver”.

Apprenticeship providing broader logistics knowledge

Jessica says: “My apprenticeship with TRS has given me my licence which is invaluable to my career. Not only that, but it also provided me with broader knowledge about the logistics industry which I wouldn’t have been able to pick up just from my job. For example, at MJ Laycock Haulage, we specialise in delivering paper-making machinery.  It’s certainly an art form to secure these loads for transportation; we use specific cranes, knots and covers. My manager Matthew has taught me these expert skills and my apprenticeship has taught me about securing other types of loads that I don’t get a chance to deal with in my job.”

Community spirit and camaraderie

Jessica represents a growing cohort of young women opting for careers in logistics. Her determination to debunk any lingering stereotypes suggesting that lorry driving isn’t suitable for women is palpable: “There’s no reason why women can’t do this job. If you’re a female who likes driving and spending time alone, then I would say go for it! The solo nature of driving certainly appeals to me. And to break up long distances, there are always truck stops which offer community spirit and camaraderie with fellow truck drivers.”

Progression to Transport Manager

Now that Jessica has completed her LGV apprenticeship, she contemplates the possibility of pursuing a transport management apprenticeship down the line. With her background as a farmer’s daughter, her ultimate aspiration is to operate livestock and feed wagons in the future. In the meantime, she eagerly anticipates driving the company’s wagons to various truck shows across the country soon.

Alice was the 2025 winner of the Generation Logistics Talent Advocate award. This award honours an experienced colleague who really champions and advocates for early talent. From mentoring and coaching to promoting careers in logistics, the Talent Advocate demonstrates a passion for nurturing the next generation and promoting the future of the sector.

Alice won for her work spearheading the “Creating Tomorrow” College programme, embedding young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) into live warehouse roles. She designed tailored mentoring, customised onboarding, and career pathways, achieving a 100% retention rate of SEND interns, many of whom have now  progressed into paid roles.

The Generation Logistics judges panel said: “Alice is an outstanding entry. She shows true passion and commitment to attracting and supporting early talent; a fantastic example meeting every aspect of the brief.”