A ‘time bomb’ of logistics skills deficits could bring the whole nation to a grinding halt, according to a new report.
The research, published by specialist recruitment and development company Talent In Logistics, reveals that only eight percent of young people consider the sector to be an attractive career option, while an astounding 42 percent don’t even know what logistics is.
And, with only nine percent of the current logistics workforce under the age of 25, the report says there’s a likelihood of a severe skills deficit in the future.
500 students and teachers attending the WorldSkills UK Live exhibition took part in the Talent In Logistics research in November 2018, which also reveals significant concerns around diversity, career opportunities and salary.
The research triggered the commissioning of a white paper,’ Changing Perceptions: Attracting Young Talent Into Logistics’, highlighting the extent of the damage and providing insight to help businesses attract and retain millennials.
Key findings included:
- A quarter (26 percent) of the young people quizzed said they do not believe there is gender diversity within the logistics sector
- Only 18 percent have been spoken to at school or Sixth Form about logistics as a career path
Many of those polled were also unaware of the range of roles available within logistics, which can range from facilities managers and data analysts to freight co-ordinators and materials planners.
“The perception of logistics is arguably the biggest problem facing the sector when trying to recruit new talent,” said Ruth Edwards, business manager of Talent In Logistics.
“As an organisation we want to promote the importance of recruiting talent from groups that are currently under-represented in the logistics industry.
“It’s only by future-proofing the nation’s currently thriving logistics sector that we can keep the UK moving.”
Talent In Logistics says that while driver shortages and skills gaps are already taking their toll, the biggest hurdle is the sector’s ageing population and the lack of millennials coming up through the ranks to replace them.
Edwards concluded: “We are calling upon the sector and the education system to play their part in ensuring young people are aware of the many amazing opportunities and career paths available within logistics.”
A full copy of the report ca be downloaded below.
