Aspiring forwarders encouraged to join the logistics industry through apprenticeships at DB Schenker

Aspiring freight forwarders on DB Schenker’s UK & Ireland apprentice programmes are so inspired by their training journey with the company they have started working to promote the benefits of a long-term career in the logistics industry. And to mark National Apprenticeship Week (February 5-11, 2024) DB Schenker is recognising th contributions made by its apprentices to the business by having team lunches and sharing videos on the apprentices’ journeys throughout their career with the company. More than 50 apprentices have been taken on in the UK and Ireland over the last two years and the aim is to recruit an additional 30 in 2024. DB Schenker currently has an 89% retention rate for participants.

“We’re about bringing in young freight forwarders into this industry who have curious minds and are determined to push limits in putting the customer first. That thirst to succeed supports our values and enables them to bring a fresh perspective to their role and while using their own initiative because we have inspired them,” says CCO UK & Ireland, Julie Heard.

“We don’t just say we want to be the employer of choice at DB Schenker, we back it up through our actions,” she adds. “We believe in encouraging young people to enter the freight forwarding industry, give them the skills they need for their careers through training, investing in them and ensuring they want to stay here. This industry has a reputation for seeing people move around and not commit to one organisation because they had no reason to do so. DB Schenker wants to truly deliver logistics as a career option to young people”.

As a part of this on-going training DB Schenker is encouraging both its apprentices and graduates to join industry body BIFA (British International Freight Association) Young Forwarder Network (YFN). The YFN enables participants to enhance their career prospects by providing opportunities to support their professional development. It does this through exclusive events, boosting knowledge, sharing skills, advice and experiences from industry professionals and providing visits to places of industry interest.

Says BIFA Member Services Director, Carl Hobbis: “It is great to see forward-thinking companies like DB Schenker, not only taking on apprentices, as well as graduates, but more importantly encouraging them to build up their professional network by attending industry events, such as those organised by the BIFA Young Forwarder Network”. He, and BIFA colleague Graeme Wilkinson were recently welcomed at DB Schenker Heathrow by Julie Heard at one their regular visits to talk about the ongoing, long-term work the two organisations undertake together.

Adds Michal Koronski one of the Schenker’s young forwarders who has joined the BIFA YFN: “My first YFN event was an incredibly enriching experience. The get-together allowed us to learn from and interact with a guest speaker from one of the leading airline companies. It was a unique chance to ask questions and deepen our understanding of the industry.”

“It's invigorating to connect with peers who share similar challenges and aspirations. My awareness and interest in this remarkable group stemmed from my work colleagues who had joined the group before me which speaks volumes about the practical knowledge and skills they gained,” he concludes.

Concludes DB Schenker UK & Ireland Talent Advisor, Luke Byrne: “The future of the logistics industry hinges on the development of apprentices and young freight forwarders. At DB Schenker we proudly commit to our apprenticeship programmes and have vast variety of programmes, such as International Freight Forwarder Apprenticeship, Sales and Marketing Apprenticeship, Business Admin Apprenticeship, Data Essentials and IT Apprenticeship, HR Apprenticeship as well as Driver Apprenticeships. We will continue to invest in our apprenticeship programmes as the value these programmes bring to the company is immense.