Recruitment
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Seize the opportunity: engage with schools and colleges
By Laura Hailstone
NOW IS THE time for haulage and logistics companies to engage with their local schools and colleges to attract young people into the industry, Career Academies UK has advised.
The charity, which bridges the gap between businesses and educational establishments, told CM that the education landscape has changed dramatically over the past couple of months and that schools and colleges are more interested in working with businesses. "Two major changes introduced in September are that Ofsted is now inspecting the extent to which schools and colleges are developing employability skills for 16 to 18 year olds; and the responsibility for providing careers advice to 11 to 18 year olds has been delegated to schools," said Ian Nichol, lead manager northern
region and regional manager for the North West at Career Academies.
"It's an open door now, so logistics firms need to seize the opportunity with their local school or college directly, or work with Career Academies to gain access to our network of 183 schools and colleges across the UK," he added.
Career Academies has been assisting Abbey Logistics MD Steve Granite with the Think Logistics schools initiative, launched by Granite this year, and points out that this is an ideal starting place for haulage firms looking to engage with school-leavers.
"The Think Logistics half-day workshop is a great way for haulage firms to present to students the different careers available in logistics and provides an opportunity for the students to ask questions," said Nichol. Following the workshop, a site visit for 10 to 15 students is then arranged to the haulier's premises to gain a further insight
into the types of careers available.
"We've been acting as the facilitator for Think Logistics, connecting haulage firms with local schools and colleges, and are hoping to assist with running more of the workshops," said Nichol.
For companies wanting to go one step further, Career Academies runs a two-year programme aimed at 16 to 19 year olds that businesses can get involved with.
Students have a business mentor from a local business for 15 months; receive guru lectures, which Nichol described as careers master classes; workplace visits; and a six-week paid internship.
"The Think Logistics workshop is like an extended guru lecture, so it fits in well with our programme," added Nichol. • To find out more, contact: Ian Nichol on 07872 989 158, email ian.nichol careeracademies.org.uk or go to careeracademies.org.uk