DAF Trucks is supporting Think Logistics, a new industry-led drive to encourage 16-19-year-olds into a career in the transport and logistics sector.
Think Logistics, the brainchild of Abbey Logistics’ Steve Granite, is backed by the RHA and a number of other leading truck operators, executed by national education charity Career Academies UK.
The sponsorship deal comes after the CV Show where DAF Trucks and the RHA hosted a presentation and workshop for students from a local college.
At a time when the industry is urgently addressing the shortfall of skilled drivers, Career Academics has welcomed the “significant” pledge from DAF, saying it will have “a considerable impact on our future investment plans for the project”.
Through Career Academies UK, Think Logistics has been delivering industry-specific awareness workshops at various schools & colleges and plans to set up five strategically located ‘Logistics academies’ in the North East, Humberside, East Midlands, Manchester and the South West in September 2015. The first Logistics Academy was opened in September 2014 at West Derby School in Liverpool.
“Think Logistics is an ambitious project,” said Ian Nichol, National STEM Development Manager at Career Academies UK, “and we’re very pleased with results so far. Now, however, and with the influence of industry leader DAF Trucks behind us, the true potential of our endeavours can be realised. Simply, DAF Trucks gives us real clout.”
DAF Trucks Managing Director, Ray Ashworth (pictured right), added, “At last, a serious initiative addressing the industry’s root concerns. I’ve been deeply impressed with Think Logistics and how it has been engaging directly with young people at schools and colleges. It has genuine potential to open the eyes of young people to a range of job opportunities they may not have considered previously. I believe we have the ingredients here to excite the next generation.”
