The Role of Apprenticeships in Shaping the Future of Logistics
Apprenticeships are to play a key role in shaping the future of logistics. As both supply chain demand and skill shortages increase, so will the demand for streamlined efficiency and innovation. With apprenticeships allowing applicants to earn whilst they learn, these schemes make for a great method of incentivised expert learning. At Barnes, we think apprenticeships are set to become a valuable investment across the logistics industry, and will help to mitigate the skills gap, foster innovation, and boost productivity. Let’s have a look into this further.
Improving Employment Rates
Right now, global supply chains are not only under strain because of post-pandemic economics and the likes of the Red Sea crisis, but also because of a significant skills shortage across the whole logistics industry.
In the current UK landscape, the skills shortage is partly because of an ageing workforce and a general lack of awareness of the opportunities within logistics.
Apprenticeships are an effective method of training individuals and tailoring their expertise. With individuals set on their desired career path, apprenticeship schemes come with a high staff retention success rate. In fact, approximately 90% of apprentices remain in employment upon completion, with 71% staying with the same employer. In addition, apprenticeships are often promoted in schools and colleges, making for a useful tool in spreading awareness about the industry.
Fostering Innovation
With a future led by sustainable development and artificial intelligence, apprenticeships are another route to recruiting fresh perspectives on upcoming challenges. Being able to study and work, apprentices are often eager to learn and willing to get stuck in with problem solving. In addition, apprenticeship schemes that operate on a rotational basis can offer applicants a mentored and holistic understanding of the logistical supply chain. Being able to train apprentices up to understand the whole logistical process helps foster innovation, streamline supply chain operations, improve efficiency, and boost customer satisfaction.
Improving Diversity in the Workplace
Apprenticeships are typically open to all and are a great way to employ people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and educational backgrounds. With supply chain logistics being highly globalised, developing a diverse work environment is a great way to enhance cross-cultural understandings, overcome language barriers and ensure that goods can be transported as smooth as possible.
What’s more, creating a diverse workforce helps employees feel safe and included. By creating a culture that people want to be a part of, employees will instinctively become more engaged and productive.
Closing the Digital Skills Gap
With a significant number of employees aged over 50, the logistics industry is known as an ageing workforce. As technology becomes increasingly in demand, there comes the risk of a widening digital skills gap. Digitisation within logistics has given way to the rise of things like IoT (Internet of Things), blockchain, autonomous vehicles, drones and automated picking and sorting systems. With this in mind, offering apprenticeships for all levels are a great opportunity to ensure employees can upskill their digital expertise.
Boosting Productivity
Apprenticeships allow you to introduce industry leading skills from the get-go. With applicants being offered close mentoring, they are more likely to feel that their experience and ability is valued. Furthermore, apprentices can earn money whilst gaining their qualification, offering a proven incentive for productivity. In fact, 78% of employers would agree that apprenticeships boost productivity. When employees are more engaged and proactive, they also become eager to progress through the rankings. This not only makes for a successful return on investment, but also a further reduction in the logistical skills shortage. To find out more about apprenticeship schemes, visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.
