Minister Jack Chambers welcomed hundreds of students to the first ever LogisTYcs Expo, a special event aimed at showcasing the career and educational opportunities available in the critical Logistics and Supply Chain sector, which underpins trade in the Irish and global economies.
The Minister of State with special responsibility for international and road transport and logistics met with TY students from across Ireland at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena in Blanchardstown, Dublin. The event is part of Logistics and Supply Chain Week 2024, which is now in its second year and ends tomorrow, Saturday 2 March.
The Logistics and Supply Chain sector involves the movement of goods around the world by road, rail, sea, and air as well as management of supply, demand, distribution, and procurement operations.
The number of higher education courses that relate to the logistics and supply chain has increased by 40% since 2019. In addition, enrolments in logistics and supply chain apprenticeships over the same time period has increased by around 52%.
However, the sector faces challenges:
Just 31% of workers in the Logistics and Supply Chain Sector are female by comparison with 47% in the wider economy.
At the same time, one in four truck & van drivers are 55 years and older.
43% of other drivers and operatives are 55 years and older.
At today’s event, students will be briefed by author, comedian and ‘Climate Worrier’ Colm O’Regan, who is acting as MC. Also taking part will be Aoife McNamara, a young Irish fashion designer with ‘B Corp’ social and environmental certification, who will talk about her career and the importance of sustainable supply chains.
In addition, four young apprentices working in the Logistics and Supply Chain sector will participate in a panel discussion with Colm O’Regan on their experiences and career paths.
Students will later split up into teams of six to take part in a LogisTYcs game where they will embark on a series of challenges to earn points as they explore the Expo. QR codes throughout the Expo provide access to different game elements such as photo challenges, trivia and participation in different activities with well-known exhibitors.
Minister Chambers said:
“There is a severe labour and skills shortage in the Logistics and Supply Chain sector. We need more young people, more women and more diverse talent to consider education and careers in the sector.
“This event aims to raise awareness of the vast number of exciting opportunities for young people in this vital sector. From freight forwarding and data analytics to driving, warehousing and everything in between, there is a huge array of roles and careers possible in logistics and supply chain.”
Explore Logistics and Supply Chain Management Courses In Ireland here
Exploring Career Opportunities in the Thriving Logistics and Supply Chain Sector
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