THE LOGISTICS OF GETTING INTO LOGISTICS
As with any career, the hardest step can be the first one.
On this page we’ll break down some of the most common ways that you can begin your career in logistics (and links to employees that offer them).
As with any career, the hardest step can be the first one.
On this page we’ll break down some of the most common ways that you can begin your career in logistics (and links to employees that offer them).
Apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships are open to all ages and combine practical work-based learning with study. Alongside this on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing a classroom-based curriculum with a college or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.
Summer internships, so called because they usually take place over the summer holiday months, are a fixed period of work experience. This period can vary from a week to several months and is typically offered to school, college or university students to gain relevant experience.
A placement year is integral to some degree courses and allow students to apply their university knowledge in the workplace. Choosing a degree with a placement year is encouraged, as applied, logistics-sector experience enables graduates to step in and step up at pace.
Graduates in supply chain, engineering, project management, business and more are welcomed into the logistics sector. Graduate schemes are structured programmes, usually of up to two years in length, that support graduates in understanding the business and in becoming the leaders of the future.
There are a number of initiatives within the logistics sector to support career entrants accessing funding, education and more.
Here are a few of them:
NOVUS works with undergraduate students across 10 universities to provide applied, industry-relevant education. Students are provided with guest lectures, mentoring and summer and third year placements, in addition to guaranteed graduate employment.
Road to Logistics is a Community Interest Company, established with government funding, to tackle the driver shortage. We raise awareness of driver roles relevant to a more diverse range of people and partner with various organisations who can most effectively reach new demographics. The mainstay of what the organisation does is encouraging and assisting car license holders to get their LGV licenses, with an emphasis on supporting more vulnerable and further away from the labour market individuals.
No matter your age, background or education, PWLTP courses help you take your first steps to employment. The free Level 2 Award in Principles of Warehousing provides a solid foundation for entering the logistics profession. After taking part in PWLTP, you receive a recognised industry qualification, a brand-new set of life skills and an understanding of how logistics businesses operate. Above all, you’ll be in a great position to secure a new job in logistics!
The Freight Development Pathway supports individuals into a career in freight. You will get access to training to build the skills you need to become fully work-ready and achieve the right experience and certification to accelerate your career. The training is free to access and comprises of industry-compiled training alongside employability coaching. The time commitment is three weeks of 10-12 hours per week, plus one day of virtual training with BIFA (British International Freight Association).