PD Ports has won the People Development Award in the International Bulk Journal (IBJ) Awards for its work with the Logistics Academy in a bid to tackle the shortage of young people entering the sector.

With Stockton Riverside College, PD Ports helped to establish the North East’s first Logistics Academy in 2015 in conjunction with NETA Training Trust, Think Logistics national charity, Career Ready and local employers.

The Logistics Academy pilot scheme started with a cohort of 14 students from Stockton Riverside College with an aim to help engage potential talent in a drive to inspire more young people to consider a future career in logistics.

Nationally the sector needs to recruit approximately 1.2 million new workers by 2022, a target which will prove difficult to achieve if the struggle to recruit school leavers in to the industry continues.

Each of the 14 students attended the Logistics Academy sessions which offered an introduction to the sector involving master classes as well as a unique insight in to logistics businesses across Teesside, including visits to Clipper Logistics, AV Dawson and KP Snacks. One-to-one mentoring with industry experts also played a critical role in the programme.

Russ McCallion, PD Ports’ HR Director, said: “Winning this award reflects our ongoing efforts and commitment to help bridge the skills gap within the logistics sector. This initiative gives local young people the chance to understand the careers available in logistics and improves the perception of the sector in the eyes of the younger generation.

“Following the success of the first year we will continue to work closely with all of the partners involved to ensure the initiative and the opportunities it creates deliver real value for both the young people and the logistics sector for years to come.”