FTA is working to encourage young people to consider opportunities in the logistics industry in becoming a sponsor of the Think Logistics initiative, a scheme created to promote the industry and to attract students to a career in logistics whilst raising their aspirations.

The Freight Transport Association has previously highlighted the issue of skills shortage in logistics, particularly for professional drivers which is suffering a shortfall of 60,000.  FTA is working on a range of ways of attracting more young people into the industry, and its sponsorship of Think Logistics will deliver projects aimed at students 16-19 years of age.

James Hookham – FTA Deputy Chief Executive said:
“Think Logistics is an inspired project led by its founder Steve Granite aimed at making this industry understandable to the next generation of drivers, managers and technicians. FTA is pleased to be supporting and helping develop the project and delivering programmes at this scale across the country to the key audience of 16-18 year olds, as part of our skills development campaign.”

FTA’s sponsorship of Think Logistics will run for an initial period of three years and will be encouraging its members to participate in workshops in local schools and colleges which are part of the Career Ready programme to introduce them to the world of logistics and in the range of careers that it offers.

In addition FTA will also work with national charity Career Ready to develop training programmes and courses for delivery in the Think Logistics centres that are being set up at colleges and schools across the country. The first six locations were announced in September and FTA will seek to double this number in the next 12 months.

Career Ready National STEM Development Manager Ian Nichol commented:

“This partnership will give Career Ready and the Think Logistics programme an incredible opportunity to engage FTA’s members to work with young people. Experience tells us that hearing directly from people in the world of work not only raises a student’s awareness of the diverse career pathways available but also raises their aspirations for their own career. In return FTA members offering to deliver Think Logistics workshops and supporting the new Career Ready logistics centres will help  the industry to attract highly motivated and work ready young people to meet current and future skills needs.”

FTA is the second major sponsor to announce support for the Think Logistics initiative this year, joining DAF Trucks and the original funders of the programme, The Edge Foundation.