The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) UK has welcomed the Prime Minister’s recent announcement that from 2028, 14-year-olds will be able to combine core academic study with early access to work experience, practical skills training, improved careers advice and stronger employer engagement.
As a founding partner of the industry-led Generation Logistics campaign, CILT(UK) is already supporting these ambitions by inspiring and connecting young people with careers across logistics, transport and supply chains. Recent initiatives include Generation Logistics Week (22–26 June 2026) alongside the launch of the Logistics Work Experience Guide for Employers and new logistics careers content on the BBC Bitesize website including the message: "Nothing moves without logistics – it's critical to the world around us.”
The reforms will see schools working alongside colleges, government and employers to better align education with regional skills needs and create clearer pathways into high-quality careers. The announcement builds on the Government’s wider programme of education and skills reforms. Together, these initiatives seek to tackle the growing challenge of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), with more than one million 16–24-year-olds currently falling into this category.
Now in its fourth year, Generation Logistics has delivered significant impact, generating more two million website visits and increasing awareness of careers in logistics by 37% - and positive perceptions of the sector by 212%.
The Government’s intention is to “shape education around the industries that matter and are growing in their communities”, referencing priority sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy (June 2025). While logistics and freight was highlighted in the strategy as making “a vital contribution to the UK economy and the competitiveness of the IS-8 [8 priority sectors]” it was not classified as a priority sector.
Daniel Parker-Klein, Director of Policy, Communications and Insight at CILT(UK), said: “Whilst we welcome the Government’s announcement, CILT(UK) believes a national information and coordination body is needed to help learners, employers and training providers navigate local skills opportunities and ensure education and qualifications meet the needs of different regions.
“The Institute continues to call for call for logistics and transport be given equivalent priority in terms of future skills and greater flexibility within the Growth and Skills Levy, enabling employers to invest in existing sector-specific qualifications and high-quality non-regulated training - helping businesses upskill and reskill both existing employees and future talent.”
As coordinators of the Novus programme - which brings together universities and employers to deliver undergraduate placements, coaching and mentoring - CILT(UK) also welcomes the Prime Minister’s commitment that "Britain will value the hard hat as much as the graduation cap." While broadening vocational opportunities is essential, higher education remains critical in developing the advanced skills and leadership capabilities needed by the logistics and transport sectors.
CILT(UK) looks forward to further details of the Government’s proposals and to the publication of the final Young People and Work report later this year and is ready to work with Government and the sector to help deliver the skilled workforce needed to drive economic growth.