College group joins forces with industry to try and give youngsters the drive and desire to work in logistics

A campaign to promote careers in the logistics industry took centre stage during a business event held in Ipswich this week.

The occasion was overseen by the Road Haulage Association (RHA).

Around 50 industry guests and students came along to discuss partnerships and find out about career opportunities in this sector.

One Sixth Form College provided the venue for an occasion that aimed to bust myths in relation to this sector amidst a campaign called National Lorry Week.

(According to organisers (RHA) National Lorry Week takes place in the UK every November and aims to inspire the next generation of talented individuals to consider a career path that offers stability, skill development, and genuine opportunity for growth).

During this event, a selection of speakers from the sector chatted to young people to explain the vast array of job roles that are in logistics.

Chris Scott is the area manager for the Road Haulage Association. Chris said: “It (National Lorry Week) is an event that we run every year to promote the industry and try and engage with young people to consider a career in transport. The young people at One Sixth Form College have asked lots of great questions. I’d say it’s a very varied career and whatever you want to do in life, there is a role in the logistics sector for you.”

Teddy Donnett, 17, from Ipswich is on a business level three diploma at One Sixth Form College. Teddy said: “I came along to understand what logistics is and what it has to offer. The information I’ve been given is useful. It’s given me a bit of insight.”

Noah Wilcock, 16, from Capel St Mary is also on a business course at one Sixth Form College. Noah said: “I want to work in marketing or human resources - and this has opened my eyes to more opportunities about what I can do in the future.”

Mo Ozsoy is a business lecturer at One Sixth Form College.

He said: “We do a lot of work building students confidence so when they leave here, they have more than just a qualification. I’m absolutely proud of how they engaged with the employers.”

Tracey Marshall is business manager for logistics and supply chain development for Eastern Education Group. She said: “We wanted to raise the profile of logistics to our students as it is is an area of growth for the region. It (the event) brought together stakeholders, business owners and managers to talk to students and tell them about the skills they need to get into the industry. It went very well and the students were superb. Thanks so much to everyone who supported us.”

Other speakers included Sharon Kindleysides, a consultant in intelligent transport systems, James Miller Director for Maritime Standard and was representing an organisation called HIVE Connect which he cofounded.