Logistics Sector Action Group 'Skills and Recruitment Challenges' Meeting
The ESB, in partnership with South Essex College (SEC), hosted a Logistics sector action group meeting in order to discuss skills and recruitment challenges that employers are facing.
The event took place in Orsett Hall on 25th of November and saw employers, training providers and council members coming together to discuss the future of logistics, as well as the many obstacles and challenges that the sector faces.
The event highlighted that the average age of the workforce in logistics continues to rise, putting a strain on human resources for the sector. Mark Bentley, Logistics Business Manager of SEC (South Essex College), expressed the necessity of more young people entering the logistics industry; SEC provide both level 2 and level 3 apprenticeships which supports this endeavour, as well as running a BTEC Business, Logistics & Supply Chain Level 3 Extended diploma. You can find the full list of Logistics apprenticeships and courses Here.
The Very Enterprising Community Interest Company (CIC) demonstrated their method of enthusing both children and adults in the logistics sector with their educational board game ‘Business on the Move’. The aim of the game is to be the first person to transport goods by air and sea from China to the UK and then by rail and road to customers across the UK. The aim is to be the first person to complete all deliveries and/ or to make the biggest profit as responsibly as you can. To find out more about Business on the Move, click Here.
- Mark Bentley of SEC delivering Logistics Skills Speech
Another pressing issue for Logistics is the shortage of skilled drivers for HGV and LGV. As a result, employers have had to rely on agency workers, an unsustainable method of employment which drives up employment costs. In order to alleviate this challenge, the sector group is currently exploring a potential ESB initiative to address the driver shortage through an LGV driver licence acquisition scheme.
New Board member for Logistics, Sean Kirby (of Woodland Logistics), closed the event with a call to all employers to get involved with the Sector Action Group in order to strengthen its ability to bring about change for the industry. Sean Kirby commented that: “The breakfast event was a huge success; the participation by local logistics businesses was inspiring. The passion and desire by all those present to collectively drive forward our common goals in conjunction with the education sector was gratifying.”
E-mail us at: essexemployment.skillsboard@essex.gov.uk to get yourself involved with the Logistics Sector Action Group and make the difference you want to see in Logistics.