The New President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport says the industry needs to attract more young people to join the profession, and to challenge stereotypes.
Beverley Bell was speaking at the body's Annual President's Inauguration Lunch, where she asked "why don't people want to work in our industry?"
She highlighted the statistic that the supply chain, transport and logistics industry contributes £92 Billion to the UK economy which, she said, disproportionality contributed to the economy and society at large, in comparison to the profile and recognition the industry receives.
She went on to state her opinion that young people are the industry's ‘heroes’ and demanded that everyone involved does more to recognise and develop that.
Addressing the three challenges that both the industry and Institute must address Beverley Bell outlined the themes of her Presidency:
- Skills gap – highlighting that by 2020 the logistics and transport industry will need another 1.2 million workers and the industry must work harder in order to recruit such a significant increase in workforce
- Training – demanding that the industry ‘must invest in employees’ and told guests that the industry’s record of training people was low and that this needs to be addressed
- Revenue – the Institute must increase membership as well as increase training services. Beverley expressed that CILT is a ‘fantastic organisation’ and should do more to sell itself.
Beverley commented that she was ‘privileged’ to take on the role of President for 2015-2016 and she also thanked outgoing President Jim Spittle FCILT for doing a ‘great job’, expressing that he would be a hard act to follow.
