The Government’s planned education reforms represent a “powerful opportunity” to tackle youth unemployment and build the skilled workforce British industry needs, Logistics UK has said.
The reforms will give young people earlier access to technical education, practical training, work experience and direct contact with employers. From the age of 14, pupils will be able to combine core academic subjects with technical learning linked to employment opportunities in their local area.
Regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges and employers will work together to shape the new pathways around the industries and skills most important to their communities. Funding will be prioritised for high-quality technical education, while school inspections will place greater emphasis on how effectively schools prepare young people for employment.
The Government aims to begin introducing the new pathways from September 2028. Further details of the education reforms are available on GOV.UK.
Ben Fletcher, Chief Executive of Logistics UK, said the plans could help introduce young people to rewarding careers they may not previously have considered.
“The logistics sector is one of the UK’s largest employers, supporting 8% of the national workforce, with thousands of exciting, technology-enabled roles in logistics hubs in communities across the country, including the Midlands and the North of England.
“For the past four years, our sector has led the Generation Logistics campaign to showcase these opportunities to young people and educators and build awareness of the opportunities that the sector has to offer.
“The fact that opinions have started to alter towards careers in logistics shows that opinions can change, but with so many sectors finding it hard to recruit new talent, it is important that industry continues to build strong links with employers.
“Combined with the Prime Minister’s devolution agenda, these education reforms create an even greater opportunity for employers and schools to work in partnership, inspiring the next generation and equipping them with the skills they need for rewarding careers.”
Looking beyond city boundaries
Logistics UK has also called on regional leaders to ensure the reforms reach businesses and employment hubs located outside the country’s largest cities.
Mr Fletcher continued: “For the Prime Minister’s plan to succeed, it will be vital that regional mayors look beyond their local boundaries.
“Many of the country’s largest employers and logistics hubs are located between, rather than within, our biggest cities. Ensuring those businesses are fully involved will be essential if these reforms are to connect young people with the full range of opportunities available in their local economies.”
The logistics sector includes careers across road, rail, air and water, as well as warehousing, supply-chain management, technology, engineering and sustainability. Logistics UK represents businesses involved in making, selling and moving goods, with more than seven million people employed directly across the wider industry.
More information about careers and opportunities in the sector is available through the Generation Logistics campaign.