Road Haulage association says ‘industry is looking for top talent to come and work for us’
A campaign to promote careers in the logistics industry took centre stage during a business event held in Bury.
The occasion was overseen by the Road Haulage Association (RHA).
Around 50 industry guests and students came along to discuss partnerships and find out about career opportunities in this sector.
Eastern Education Group provided the venue for the day at their state-of-the-art XR Lab that is based on Western Way.
This was the second year that the group has hosted at their University Studies at West Suffolk College campus.
A driving simulator and two vehicles promoting the future of the industry were on display to help showcase employment opportunities to younger attendees.
Chris Scott is the area manager for the RHA. Chris said: “This was our tenth national lorry week that promotes the industry to businesses and government - and the aim of this year is to focus on colleges.
“The average age of the haulage sector is approaching 55 to 60 – so we want to try and get an influx of young blood into the sector.
“The message (to others) is that whatever you want to do in life, you can find that career in the transport sector.”
Emma Robinson-Hodges is the director of partnerships and engagement at the RHA.
Emma said: “This is one of the RHA’s flagship campaigns and we want to highlight the role of the lorry and the truck - and the impact they have on the UK’s economic growth. This year the focus was on attracting skills into the sector.
“Logistics is vital. It is absolute the backbone of our economy. Without trucks we wouldn’t have anything. Everything in your house, the clothes you are wearing and the phone in your pocket, comes from a lorry. So, the message is that logistics is a thriving, new and modern industry that is looking for the top talent to come and work for us.”
Tom Lloyd is the executive director for skills, innovation and strategic partnerships at the Eastern Education Group. Tom said: “It was a pleasure to host this event that put logistics careers in the shop window for our students. We are grateful to the RHA for their support and the many and varied businesses who came along to support this important campaign.”