Those in the supply chain industry need to work hard to show young people the opportunities in the sector, says Laura Heywood

The trouble with young people is they’re quick to dismiss a career in logistics and supply chain, deeming it an unsexy or boring part of retail. 

As an employer looking to swell your supply chain teams with fresh talent, this statement might ring true for you. But what if it wasn’t young people’s fault at all?

According to educational initiative The Novus Trust, so many young career-seekers are simply unaware of the opportunities open to them in logistics and supply chain. It’s the job of businesses, careers advisers, schools and parents to get young people interested.

Members of this generation are often influenced by people they perceive as successful in a given field. As a report published last summer by CASCAiD, the producer of careers information and guidance solutions, illustrates, despite turning to popular culture for advice, pupils have a clear desire to hear from people running businesses.

It found, however, that only 10% of all pupils currently get advice from businessmen and women yet, given the choice, 31% would prioritise getting information from them.

The quality and availability of careers advice also has a huge impact on the choices young people make for their future. If careers advisers generally have little knowledge of the logistics and supply chain sector, or the skills required, it stands to reason they’re not going to extol the virtues of a career in that sector.

But they should be doing so. As The Novus Trust says: “Today’s logistics and supply chain sector is sophisticated, intellectual and technology-led. Managers are supporting omnichannel retail, globalisation, sustainability, collaboration and mitigating supply chain risk to ensure the right product is in the right place at the right time. It’s a career with great prospects, where top supply chain directors can earn a six-figure salary.”

For this sector to attract the best young talent around, it’s the responsibility of businesses, careers advisers, schools and parents to work together to attract young people to join its ranks. Don’t lay the blame on the young people themselves.