Logistics firm Europa Worldwide Group - which has a large site in Minworth at Prologis Park on Midpoint Way - is supporting a new national logistics sector recruitment campaign.
The logistics sector is expected to have worker shortages of 400,000 by 2026, so the new campaign aims to change perception of the industry as well as providing a jobs portal.
Europa in Birmingham is the firm’s third largest UK site and has a 113-strong team and represents three divisions: Europa Road, providing road freight distribution to and from Europe; Europa Air and Sea; and Europa Warehouse, one of three award-winning 3pl logistics sites providing value-added capabilities through a combined 1,072,000 sq. ft of dedicated logistics space.
The campaign - Generation Logistics - is the first of its type, and it is being co-ordinated by trade bodies the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and Logistics UK, in partnership with the Department for Transport.
Europa itself is growing massively and has almost doubled its work force over the past nine years, now employing over 1,300 at sites across the UK and is currently recruiting for another 150 staff across the UK.
By shining a spotlight on the skilled, complex nature of the UK’s interconnected logistics industry the campaign aims to attract, identify and develop a new and diverse generation of talent to fill vacancies industry-wide and future-proof the sector.
Tom Jenkins, central services director at Europa Worldwide Group, said: “It’s a time of huge recruitment challenges across our sector, right across the supply chain from customer service to drivers and warehouse operators, so it’s time to change perceptions and share the story of how essential our industry is. We are delighted to be joining forces with other industry leaders to support Generation Logistics to initiate much needed change.”
The Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps MP, said: “Logistics is a vital sector to the UK economy. The pandemic has once again demonstrated the strategic importance of supply-chains and their associated workers. Their work to keep the UK moving was exemplary and I have nothing but admiration for those unsung heroes who keep the UK trading, keep food on our shelves and provide our factories, shops, hospitals and schools with the supplies they need. Logistics workers make a substantial difference to our lives, every day.
“However, we have a new challenge facing us as we look to the future of freight. We need to attract a diverse and skilled workforce to play a key part in a new exciting era transforming an industry at the forefront of innovation and technology. There are thousands of logistics roles available to people from all backgrounds, experience and skills. This campaign will showcase those opportunities in artificial intelligence, advanced robotics, autonomous vehicles and the decarbonisation of the supply chain.
“The Government has shown in the 33 interventions it put in place to address the HGV driver shortage that it is ready to take fast and effective action to support the logistics sector and invest where it is needed. We are funding 11,000 HGV driver bootcamp training places as well as investing a total of £52.5 million in road side facilities for drivers and lorry parking as well as delivering more HGV driver testing than ever before.
“This industry campaign is integral to not only supporting growth of this vital sector but also ensuring we have the workforce needed for now and the future.”
