Transport firm Bibby Distribution – along with training companies System Training and Training 4 Business – has launched a new apprenticeship programme aimed at finding young people careers in the transport and logistics sector.
Aimed at plugging the gap of young people interested in careers in the sector, the RightStart programme will see promising school leavers embark on Level 2 apprenticeships at four different sites in the Midlands and South West, giving the young trainees vital experience across a variety of customer markets.
At the end of the pilot programme, the students will be ready to take on roles in transport, customer service, warehouse management and finance.
Adrian Tomlinson, Regional General Manager, Bibby Distribution, said, “In the past it’s been difficult to attract school leavers to the sector, particularly as it’s often so misunderstood. RightStart helps reveal the complexity that goes on behind the industry, the wide variety of roles available, and prepares young people for rewarding careers.”
Under supervision, the trainees will be learning skills while working on projects for a diverse range of customers, including Kingspan, Kerry Foods, Plastic Omnium and Barry Callebaut.
Sarah Dunbar, Regional HR Manager, Bibby Distribution, said, “Our succession planning means we have to attract more young people to our sector, and RightStart will give school leavers who show the right potential the chance to work their way up. After the first year, they can go on to complete a Level 3 apprenticeship, which will then open up the opportunity to take on supervisory roles.”
With the pilot programme now underway, the firm aims to take on further recruits in six months’ time, bringing more young people into the transport and logistics industry and playing a vital role in tackling an industry-wide skills shortage.
