Leading third party logistics and supply chain solutions provider Wincanton have announced the launch of a two-year logistics training scheme, with the primary aim of encouraging young people to gain an interest and attraction to the logistics industry.

The ‘Your Future’ programme allows the participating trainees to not only reap the benefits of the personalised training plan by gaining necessary skills related to the industry, but also allows them to follow a warehouse pathway upon completion of the scheme.

This pathway includes further management training and a work placement at a particular Wincanton customer site, as well as the opportunity to apply for a driving position within the company should a HGV license have been acquired.

Maisie Gallears, a new trainee on the logistics training scheme has said, “I hadn’t considered a career in logistics until I heard about Wincanton’s Your Future training programme. It certainly broadened my horizons and I think the skills and experience I gain will really help me throughout my career, regardless of where I end up or whatever I end up doing.”

June 2018 is the estimated date set by Wincanton for when they expect to see the first batch of young people who have progressed through the scheme making their way into the industry with the set of skills gained from the programme, so the 12 trainees who are currently enrolled will be hoping to be the lucky ones who make it.

“It’s well documented that the industry faces increasing skills shortages and an ageing workforce” said Wincanton site general manager James Tooze. “It’s crucial that the industry acts now to address these challenges and to build a sustainable pipeline of future talent. Your Future is one of the ways Wincanton is looking to do just that.”

The programme is likely to expand in the near future, but as it stands the scheme is currently based at the company’s Midlands site, and hopefully the trainees gain success from it.