St Helens College brought together industry bodies and employers from the logistics sector for a recruitment and careers event last week. The event aimed to raise awareness in the value of logistics and supply chain activities in everyday life as well as showcasing the development of the new Northern Logistics Academy.
An Abbey Logistics truck took centre stage at the Colleges Town Centre Campus, where the event was held. Attended by almost 300 people, the event provided students, and members of the public an insight into the careers and qualifications available in the Logistics sector. Leading logistic experts including Co-Operative, Matalan, Jungheinrich, Asda, Abbey Logistics, Suttons and many more, were on hand with information and interactive activities.
Popular, guest speaker talks gave a real insight into careers and were given throughout the day by industry professionals, including, Richard Kirk, Supply Chain and Logistics Director at Matalan and Andy Simpson, Business Development Director at Warrant Group.
The event was also attended by special guests including the Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, Cabinet Member for Growth & Planning, Councillor Fulham, Mark Long, Head of Investment and Employment at InvestSefton and Councillors Richard McCauley, Andy Bowden and Nova Charlton.
Speaking about the event Councillor Richard McCauley said: “It’s been a fantastic event showcasing lots of opportunities for local people. Events like this help to develop the knowledge of this growing industry which has potential to bring further investment and employment opportunities to the region”.
Jette Burford, Principal of St Helens said, “I was delighted to see how well attended the event was and was pleased to see so many local people from the area taking full advantage of this opportunity to gain a better understanding of this growing industry. It is important that people begin to realise that this industry isn’t just about driving lorries, there are many professional career paths available to them. By having leading industry employers at the event to talk first hand to visitors, it was a great way to showcase these opportunities”.
The event comes as the College, in partnership with Knowsley Community College, get ready to launch a brand new £3million Northern Logistics Academy – a project approved late last year by the Liverpool City Region’s growth deal fund in a bid to help close a growing skills shortage in the logistics industry.