Young people can’t fix everything, but they are definitely part of the solution to our labour crisis. Logistics and warehousing has an image problem and we need good news stories as well as much better exposure of what our industry is all about to persuade parents, teachers and children that a career in logistics can take you places. So, it’s fantastic that the government has finally recognised our industry and are supporting Generation Logistics.
A national and industry-wide campaign launched last month, Generation Logistics is a welcome initiative to demonstrate that career growth is about merit, not time served. Designed to showcase the amazing opportunities our sector has to offer, it is heartening to see stakeholders across the board, from trade associations to employers, all collaborating – perhaps for the first time – in this vital shared cause.
Warehousing is one of the economy’s fastest growing sectors, with digital automation and AI creating new and exciting jobs that take the strain of the mundane roles historically associated with our industry.
And whilst the warehousing sector continues to expand, vacancy rates remain high in a range of different roles. Large teams of warehouse workers need supervision and management, but nearly half of the thousands of managers and directors working in transport and storage are due to retire by 2027, creating a growing need for leadership at all levels. The world of big data is intensifying our reliance on analysts and planners. IT systems and integration projects are becoming increasingly complex, so software engineering is essential. Buildings and handling equipment must be built and maintained. Investors and customers are driving companies towards more sustainable practices, which in turn require new skills. And of course, Brexit irrevocably changed import and export routines, leading to a spike in demand for freight forwarding expertise; a shift that will become more significant when forthcoming legislation allows more electronic documentation.
Also, of course, there are entry level jobs such as pickers and packers. These are just as important for those looking to build a career from the bottom up. Warehousing can be an effective engine for social mobility or ‘levelling up’, providing hugely important prospects for young people from less privileged backgrounds.
UKWA is proud to be an official partner of Generation Logistics and we applaud its mission to showcase the innovation, complexity and sheer breadth of our industry to a new generation of young people who have grown up with technology, care passionately about sustainability and, rightly, have high expectations of job fulfilment, career development opportunity and a fair work/life balance.
Clare Bottle
UKWA, CEO
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