With a huge age gap opening up in the Logistics sector, the question key players across the industry are asking is: what can we do to get more young people in Logistics?
Any professional working in the Logistics sector already knows how dynamic and full of opportunity it is. Sadly, though, this message isn’t spreading far enough and, as a result, there’s a whole generation missing out.
One of the biggest problems facing Transport and Logistics right now is that there just aren’t enough young people working in and coming to join the workforce. This is in spite of the career and monetary benefits a career in the industry can offer.
If you, like us, are concerned about what the future holds for the sector, then read on. We’ve rounded up all you need to know about the current state of the Logistics age gap and, most importantly, ongoing solutions to the problem:
- How many young people are in Logistics?
- Why is there an age gap in Logistics?
- Spreading the word about jobs in Logistics.
- Rerouting Logistics: making a difference with Steven Granite and Beverley Bell.
How many young people are in Logistics?
The number of young people working in the Logistics sector is in rapid decline.
According to the Road Haulage Association…
- The average age of road haulage drivers is 57.
- 81.1% of Transport managers are over 45.
- Many Transport & Logistics managers will reach retirement age by 2029.
In other words, the number of young people in the industry is massively outweighed – and numbers continue to fall.
Why is there an age gap in Logistics?
There’s definitely a perception issue at play here.
Many of the young people who do know about Logistics see it as a sector for the older generation. And, the older the average age of the industry gets, the less appealing it’ll become to young people. It’s a frustrating Catch-22 that we need to tackle sooner rather than later.
But there’s another, much bigger problem we have to address here too. You see, the fact of the matter is that many young people don’t even know what Logistics is, let alone what a career in the sector might look like for them.
Logistics has long been an underappreciated sector. Now, that lack of appreciation is translating directly into undereducation about it.
And, without knowledge, it’s not possible to create enough interest in the industry to fill the growing talent shortage.
Spreading the word about jobs in Logistics
Thankfully, big players in the industry are working hard to make a change.
In the latest episode of Rerouting Logistics, Chairman of the Abbey Logistics Group Steven Granite explains to Beverley Bell how he’s had to adapt his sessions in schools and colleges – because the students just didn’t have an understanding of Logistics.
“It’s not the sector, it’s the lack of understanding…”
All it took was one person to spread the word for a whole roomful of young people to see the value in a Logistics career path!
So, just imagine what education on a wider scale could do for the sector. Clearly, conversation, awareness, and education really can make all the difference.
Hear more about what Steven and Beverley had to say – the full episode is out now on Spotify and YouTube:
- Rerouting Logistics episode 3: Young People in Logistics with Steven Granite.
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/evwxvpxt
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eBhAfsRs
Rerouting Logistics with Beverley Bell
Conversations like Beverley and Steven’s are essential for ensuring the success of the Logistics sector in the long run.
Interested in hearing more of these sorts of conversations?
Rerouting Logistics is the brand-new podcast by Aspion Search. Hosted by former Senior Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell, together we’re on a mission to tackle key issues in the world of Transport & Logistics.
Check out our first two episodes now!
- Rerouting Logistics episode 1: Women in Logistics with Sharon Kindleysides.
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ey_-uqa8
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eSsggEaH
And read more about age, gender, and having to lie about being a mum as a woman in Logistics!
- Rerouting Logistics episode 2: The Future of Transport & Logistics with Richard Smith.
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eAg-sxJ6
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eRwTb-Vx
And read more about overcoming the mental health crisis in Logistics!
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