Bibby Distribution has launched a new apprenticeship programme aimed at attracting young people to careers in the logistics sector. The firms said its RightStart programme will see school-leavers embark on Level 2 apprenticeships at four different Bibby Distribution sites in the Midlands and South West, giving young trainees experience across a variety of customer markets.
At the end of the pilot programme, Bibby said the students will be ready to take on roles in transport, customer service, warehouse management and finance – working on complex logistical contracts. RightStart was developed by Bibby’s regional general manager Adrian Tomlinson in response to the recruitment challenge faced by the industry as a whole.
“In the past it’s been difficult to attract school-leavers to the logistics sector, particularly as it’s often so misunderstood,” Tomlinson said. “RightStart helps reveal the complexity that goes on behind the industry, the wide variety of roles available, and prepares young people for rewarding careers.”
Those on the programme will learn skills from Bibby’s sister company, System Training, with the support of training provider Training 4 Business, ultimately delivering a Level 2 Storage and Warehouse apprenticeship. Under careful supervision, the trainees will be learning high-level skills while working on projects for a diverse range of high-profile Bibby customers, including Kingspan, Kerry Foods, Plastic Omnium and Barry Callebaut.
“Crucially, the training has been designed around our operations, so our trainees will learn about delivering exactly what our customers require. And at the end of the training, they will have a guaranteed job and the ability to work at any of our 92 sites across the UK,” Tomlinson said.
With the pilot programme involving four trainees now underway, Bibby said it aims to take on further recruits in 2015.
