CEVA

I first applied for a role at CEVA Logistics in January 2024 while I was in the second year of my A Levels, applying for a position within the Contract Logistics Transition & Transformation team in Project Management. After securing an initial video call interview, I was invited to a follow-up interview at the Head Office in Ashby, where I presented my ideas for the future of logistics over the next five years. The presentation required a lot of preparation and hard work, so I was thrilled to be offered the role the very next day.

I officially started at CEVA on 1 June 2024 at just 17 years old, less than two weeks after finishing my final A Level exam. From the very beginning, I threw myself into the role, working hard to learn quickly, understand expectations and make the most of every opportunity available to me.

At the end of August 2024, I received my A Level results, which unfortunately did not meet the criteria required for the degree aspect of the apprenticeship. This led to a three-month review period to assess whether a role would become available within PMO and whether I was ready to take on the responsibility. During that time, I continued to focus on my work and demonstrate my commitment to the business.

Just before the 2024 Christmas break, I was informed that the team needed someone with more experience to hit the ground running. However, because of the performance and potential I had shown since joining, CEVA supported me in finding another opportunity internally. That support reflected the business’ confidence in me and in my future within the company.

In the new year, just two days before I was due to leave CEVA, I received a call from the Control Tower Manager offering me a role as a Regional Operations Analyst for EMEA Aftermarket. I started the role at the beginning of February 2025 and have been there ever since, quickly adapting to the position and taking on further responsibility early in my career.

Joining CEVA and starting my career in logistics at such a young age has been an incredible journey so far. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and for the belief the business has shown in me throughout my journey. In a short amount of time, I’ve developed a wide range of professional skills and gained valuable experience across different areas of the business, which has strengthened my confidence and passion for the industry.

The best thing about working in logistics is the industry’s variety and pace. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, and there are so many different career paths available. My advice to anyone considering a career in logistics would be to stay open-minded, work hard and take every opportunity that comes your way, because you never know where it might lead.

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 started my journey at CEVA Logistics when I was 20, joining the business for my placement year. From the beginning, I was given opportunities to gain hands-on experience within HR and develop practical skills that complemented my studies. After completing my placement, I returned to university while continuing to work part-time at CEVA, which allowed me to maintain my knowledge and build valuable experience.

Once I completed my degree, I returned to CEVA full-time, where I have continued to grow both personally and professionally. Working as an HR Shared Services Administrator provides exposure to the full employee lifecycle, from onboarding new starters to supporting leavers and every stage in between. The role has given me the opportunity to work with a variety of stakeholders while continuously expanding my knowledge and confidence within HR.

What I love most about CEVA is the amount of support and development opportunities available. Since returning to the business full-time, I have gained exposure to various areas of HR, which has helped me broaden my understanding of the function and develop new skills. I have also started my CIPD qualification, which has strengthened my understanding of HR theory and enabled me to apply my learning in a real business environment with the support of CEVA.

Before joining the logistics industry, I didn’t fully realise how many different career opportunities were available within the sector. Working at CEVA has shown me how diverse and fast-paced the industry is, and how important people are to keeping operations running successfully. Every day brings something different, keeping the role exciting and giving me the opportunity to continue learning.

One of the things I enjoy most about my role is supporting colleagues throughout their journey with the business. From welcoming new starters to helping colleagues with HR-related queries, I enjoy being part of a team that makes a positive difference to the employee experience.

CEVA has supported me throughout my journey and has given me opportunities to challenge myself, learn new skills and continue developing professionally. That support is one of the main reasons I enjoy being part of the organisation and why I can see myself continuing to grow my career within the logistics industry.

My advice to someone considering a career in logistics would be to take every opportunity available and be open to learning new things. The industry offers so many different career paths and development opportunities, and no two days are ever the same. The top skills I believe are important for success in the industry are:

Communication – Being able to work with and support a wide range of people across the business is essential.

Adaptability – Logistics is fast-paced, so being flexible and able to respond to change is important.

Willingness to learn – There are always opportunities to develop new skills and gain experience, so having a positive attitude towards learning is key.