Logistics Stories

I work in transport business development at Morrisons, alongside managing third-party logistics providers. My role focuses on improving performance, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and ensuring transport operations run efficiently and sustainably across the business.

There isn’t a strict qualification requirement for my role, although many of my colleagues have degrees in business management or hold a CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence). I hold an International CPC, which lasts indefinitely. I also completed the Morrisons Degree Apprenticeship Scheme, where I gained a Business Management degree from the University of Bradford, as well as a qualification from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

I entered this role through a placement during my degree apprenticeship. I was really determined to secure a permanent position, so I pushed myself to stand out and demonstrate what I could bring to the team – and that paid off!

What attracted me to the role was the opportunity to broaden my experience. I had already completed placements across warehousing and logistics, and I wanted to develop a deeper understanding of stakeholder management. This role brought all of that together and gave me exposure to multiple areas of the business.

At school, I enjoyed maths and working with numbers, but I didn’t feel that a purely classroom-based environment suited me. I found that I learn much better in a hands-on, real-world setting, which is why logistics appealed to me. It gave me the opportunity to apply analytical thinking in a practical environment. I was also motivated to succeed as a woman in what has traditionally been a male-dominated sector, inspired by my mum as a role model.

The best thing about my role is the variety and level of exposure I get across the business. I enjoy having accountability for performance, as well as the responsibility of holding others accountable for key KPIs. The constant cycle of improvement keeps things exciting and motivates me to keep pushing for better results.

My biggest career highlight so far has been when I was given responsibility for two regional sites that were operating with a negative P&L (profit and loss). I worked closely with key stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement, analysing the end-to-end process from ordering through to supply chain controls. I also collaborated with logistics planners to reduce empty running.

Within six months, we were able to turn both sites to a positive P&L, while also supporting wider sustainability initiatives. I’m incredibly proud of the work I put into that project and the results we achieved – it was a real turning point in my career and showed me what’s possible with the right focus and teamwork.

Jack works in a fast-paced distribution environment where no day is the same.
He takes ownership of day-to-day warehouse activities by managing the operation to be safe and efficient, understands colleagues` operational needs, ensuring they are supported to do their jobs and leads a great and safe place to work with your team.

Jack’s unsure if his job requires any specific qualifications however, coming from the shop floor upwards put him in good stead for the job role.

He was promoted through the options scheme at Tesco, He started off as a warehouse operative, progressed to a co-ordinator and was then signed onto options, following a successful placement, Jack was signed off and due to no positions available at the DC he applied for a role in store.

Jack has a drive to be the best version of himself possible and naturally the next step was to become a manager. He always looks forward and try to become 1% better each day. Jack previously played football for Liverpool FC for 8 years which was an extremely fast paced environment, which is like his work life now.

“I my best to challenge and stretch myself every day, I enjoy working in a team environment and getting the best out of my peers each day.”

The highlight of Jacks career so far has been being enrolled onto the emerging talent community this year. He did not think of it as a big deal when he was first enrolled however, seeing the investment that has gone into this and how much of an opportunity that we all have is really exciting and something he is really looking forward to grasping.

I am an Automation First Line Manager for GXO Logistics. My role’s priority is to meet KPIs and to enable the AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicle) to work efficiently to deliver results. My main responsibility is to oversee the daily operation within the newly implemented automation. Within the area, it is important to manage the allocation of workstations per department, with a need to be agile with fast decision making, based on volume fluctuations and staffing requirements. This task requires great communication between all operational management, as well as collaborating with other functions such as Health, Safety & Facilities, Engineering and Project Management to continually communicate the vision. As well as managing operational efficiencies, I also lead a team of ‘Jam Busters’, whose role is to alleviate any traffic within the AGVs and assist in the daily maintenance of the robots. With this comes HR responsibilities such as managing annual leave requests, probationary reviews, absence management and other administrative duties.

I’m currently in my fourth and final year of study at Sheffield Hallam University, where I study Professional Practice in Supply Chain Leadership through the GXO Apprenticeship scheme. During my studies I’ve focused a lot of my research on automation and used it as a focal point for some of my work-based projects. In doing this, I found a passion for automation, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career down this path. I’ve always been an analytical person, and find I can pick up systems quickly, I think this is what drew me to this type of work originally, and my interests have grown from there.

I joined the GXO apprenticeship at 18, fresh out of Sixth Form, where I studied triple business (BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business) and had previous qualifications in Engineering at GCSE level. Both subjects taught me valuable skills, including problem solving and decision making, two of the most used skills in my role. When studying the global market, and supply and demand in business studies, it piqued my interest in logistics; however, it wasn’t until I found the job description for the apprenticeship that I thought logistics could be possible for me, as it was not a well-discussed job opportunity in school.

As much as my passion is for automation, the best thing about my role is that I’ve been able to curate a team of individuals to work alongside me. I love being able to lead the team and I find it very rewarding watching us grow together, especially as a start-up department. We’re all learning from each other every day, and personally, I find sharing that experience is the best part of my role. My career highlight to date is happening right now! The opportunity to lead the automation implementation project for a brand which I’ve always admired, has been such an honour to play a part in. It was, and still is, an incredibly rewarding experience that combines strategic planning, collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving. Being part of a team that successfully enhances operational efficiency and has optimised processes has been not only fulfilling personally, but also significantly improved the workflow and productivity of the warehouse. Seeing the positive impact of automation first-hand, has reaffirmed my passion for driving technological advancements in the workplace.

Throughout my education when I was younger I was worried about not progressing in my work so I went to university. When I first went to uni, I thought I would come out and instantly be in a CEO position, which simply wasn’t realistic. As I grew up and through my time working at Asda in logistics, I understood more and more the importance of working your way into a role rather it being handed to you.

I worked in an Asda warehouse throughout my studies and decided there is an opportunity to progress here, so I stayed. Not too long after finishing uni and going into work full time, I was asked if I would like a position as a network co-ordinator where I track deliveries to and from my warehouse. At Asda, I am constantly trained on new skills like this and am taught how to function within every area of my depot. All of these new skills provide me with security and more confidence, something that Asda offer to all of their employees.

Originally, I wanted to go into sales due to the people aspect. I enjoy meeting people and communicating with everyone from different walks of life. However, this industry presented many fears. The hours are more often than not unbearably long, people are often rude and if for reasons beyond your control – you don’t sell anything – you don’t earn anything, so my career would’ve been financial unstable which is a great concern to me. With the role I’ve been given in Asda logistics, I get all of the benefits with the security of my pay at the end of the month.

Additionally, as logistics is such a broad sector, the transferable skills you learn are excellent. I could well see myself staying in this sector for the rest of my life, as it is unbelievably enjoyable solving the many problems that crop up, from something as small as finding an arrival time to something as big as an entire trailer being missing! It keeps me engaged and not many people can truly say they come home from work feeling accomplished and proud of the work that they do, ASDA provides that feeling for me and I’m sure in the years to come, with some hard work and dedication, I will be taking on jobs with even more importance, and finding even more accomplishment from solving them.

My name is Tieron Gordon, and I work as a 7.5 tonne driver for DHL Supply Chain. My role involves delivering goods to different locations, ensuring deliveries are completed safely, efficiently and on time. Every day brings new routes, customers and challenges, which keeps the job interesting.

To work in my role, I need to hold a valid Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC). This ensures that I have the training and knowledge required to drive professionally and operate safely within the logistics industry.

I didn’t go to university, as that wasn’t the path I chose after leaving school. Instead, I went straight into work and built my experience through different roles.

I first heard about the opportunity at DHL through someone who was already working there. They mentioned the role to me and explained what the job involved, which sparked my interest and encouraged me to look into it further.

Before joining DHL, I worked as a chef for 12 years. When I became a dad for the first time, I realised that the hours in hospitality were no longer working for my family life. A colleague at DHL told me that I could start as a driver’s mate and potentially progress into a driving role over time. That opportunity for progression really appealed to me. It felt like a chance to build a long-term career while also improving my work/life balance.

Although moving from hospitality into logistics was a big change, many of the skills I developed as a chef transferred well into my current role. Working in a busy kitchen taught me how to stay calm under pressure, work quickly and efficiently, stay organised and adapt to changing situations. Those same skills are important in logistics, especially when managing delivery schedules and dealing with unexpected challenges on the road.

One of the best things about my role is the variety. No two days are the same. I enjoy travelling to new places, meeting different people and dealing with the challenges that come with each day. The improved work–life balance has also made a huge difference to me and my family, and I’ve really settled into the role.

One of my biggest career highlights so far has been winning the UKI DHL Driver of the Year award in 2025. It meant a lot to me because it recognised the hard work and dedication I’ve put into the job. Moments like that make me proud of how far I’ve come and motivate me to keep developing in my career with DHL.

Katherine is in the first year of her Supply Chain Leader Degree Apprenticeship with DHL Supply Chain. Since she joined the company in September 2023, she has been working on one of DHL Supply Chain’s retail customer contracts based at Welham Green in Hertfordshire. Katherine works on site 4 days per week, and studies from home online every Friday for her degree in Supply Chain Management with Aston University.

Katherine’s role at Welham Green is as a First Line Manager (or FLM) in the North Distribution Centre. Being an FLM, as a new apprentice involves shadowing other managers and managing different teams on different floors of the warehouse when support is needed, alongside working on a couple of projects.

“I very much fell into starting a career in the logistics industry by accident. Like many others, I struggled my way through sixth form and when I had finally finished my exams, I wanted nothing more to do with education ever again and I did not want to go to university…or so I thought. I left school and applied for a receptionist position at a small pharmaceutical company, and within a few months of being there, I was promoted to being their Logistics Assistant.” From this, Katherine learned more about supply chain and found logistics to be a career path and was genuinely really interested in following. When she secured the opportunity to do this apprenticeship with DHL Supply Chain, she went for it and hasn’t looked back.

Katherine is enjoying the learning curve and is getting to know her team, while absorbing as much information as she can. “The best part of being on DHL Supply Chain’s apprenticeship scheme is all the incredible opportunities I have had and will have to really push myself out my comfort zone – with speaking in Parliament, for example, being the epitome of exactly that.”

I’m Tiff Faulconbridge, and I work as a Warehouse Department Manager at Asda. My role is varied and people-focused, which is one of the things I enjoy most about it. On a typical day, I’m responsible for running a key area of the warehouse and making sure everything operates safely, efficiently and in line with the needs of the business. Alongside the operational side of the job, I also lead a team of colleagues and support them with a wide range of people matters, including pay queries, absence, performance and conduct. As well as managing day-to-day activity, I also take ownership of a shift-wide project focused on engagement, celebrations and recognition, which means helping to create a positive working environment where people feel valued and motivated.

One of the things I’ve learned about logistics is that attitude and willingness to learn can be just as important as formal qualifications. In my experience, having the right mindset, being open to development and being ready to take on new challenges matters a great deal in this sector. There are also apprenticeships available that support learning on the job, which makes logistics a really accessible sector for people coming in through different routes.

I didn’t go to university, and my career has been built through practical experience and learning in the workplace. That has given me the opportunity to develop hands-on knowledge of operations, leadership and continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment. For me, that real-world experience has been incredibly valuable and has helped shape the way I lead today.

I found this role through Indeed, but what really drew me to it was the opportunity to broaden my experience within logistics. Before joining Asda, I was working as a manager in Amazon logistics, where I gained a strong understanding of online retail operations. I wanted to explore logistics in a different setting and understand how supermarket retail differs from online retail. That was a big part of what attracted me to the position. I was interested in seeing how another part of the sector operates and challenging myself in a new environment.

Looking back, there were several skills I developed through school, previous work and life experience that made me realise I was well suited to logistics. Being able to work under pressure is a big one, because this is a sector where things move quickly and priorities can change fast. Leadership has also been important, especially in roles where you are responsible not just for performance but for supporting and developing people. I’ve also always had the ability to learn quickly and adapt, which is essential in a sector that is constantly evolving. Another key strength for me has been process creation and improvement, because logistics is all about finding better, smarter and more efficient ways of working.

The best thing about my role is definitely the people I work with. Logistics is very much a team environment, and the relationships you build make a huge difference. I enjoy working with a wide range of people, supporting them, helping them develop and being part of a team that comes together to keep the operation moving. Even in a busy and demanding environment, that sense of teamwork is what makes the job rewarding.

One of the highlights of my career so far was being part of a team that introduced a new de-kit process when I first started. That project improved the flow of equipment across the site and made a real difference to how the operation worked. It was a great example of how even one process improvement can have a meaningful impact across a warehouse. Being involved in something that delivered visible results so early on was a proud moment and reinforced how important innovation and problem-solving are in logistics.

For anyone considering a career in logistics, I’d say it’s a sector with far more variety and opportunity than many people realise. It’s not just about moving goods from one place to another. It’s about people, leadership, problem-solving, process improvement and finding ways to keep complex operations running smoothly. There are many different routes into the sector, and you don’t need to follow one set path to build a successful career. If you are adaptable, willing to learn and enjoy working with people in a fast-moving environment, logistics can offer a really rewarding future.

Currently, I proudly serve as a Continuous Improvement Managerfor GXO, a company that stands at the forefront of cutting-edge logistics solutions. It’s a privilege to be part of a team that constantly pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the world of supply chain management. Every day, I find myself immersed in the exciting challenges and opportunities that this industry presents.

I have been through the degree apprenticeship journey. This journey has been nothing short of transformative. It’s not just a degree; it’s an immersion into the heartbeat of the supply chain, a chance to hone my skills and a pathway to becoming a true leader in the field. The blend of academic learning and practical application has provided me with a unique perspective that I bring to my role at GXO. I wholeheartedly endorse the journey of a degree apprenticeship; it is genuinely a program designed for aspiring future leaders. My experience at GXO has taught me that the effort you invest directly influences the results you achieve. But just as important, I’ve realised the key role that a strong team plays in driving success and unlocking your full potential. The degree apprenticeship has not only accelerated my professional growth but also broadened my perspective, offering a fresh approach that complements my colleagues’ expertise. This is how we achieve success—by leveraging the strengths of a diverse, blended team.

Why logistics? Logistics is the heartbeat of global commerce, the invisible force that connects products with consumers. It’s the symphony of efficiency that ensures our favourite products are on the shelves when we want them. What drew me to logistics is the sheer dynamic real-world impact it has on our daily lives. It’s the excitement of solving complex puzzles, optimising processes and ensuring that the wheels of commerce keep turning seamlessly.

In the ever-evolving landscape of logistics, it’s the constant pursuit of excellence that fuels my enthusiasm. Whether it’s implementing innovative technologies, streamlining operations or fostering a culture of continuous improvement, that in all saves thousands from the supply chain. The satisfaction of overcoming challenges and witnessing the positive impact on our clients and partners is truly unparalleled. As I stand at the crossroads of academia and professional practice, I am excited about the journey ahead. The logistics landscape is vast and with each challenge comes an opportunity to innovate, to learn and to redefine what’s possible. I am excited about what the future holds!

“Unlock your potential with a degree apprenticeship—where learning meets real-world experience!”

Hi, My name is Moaaz Tarar, this week I’ve joined Asda to start the 4-year Degree Apprenticeship Programme, specialising in supply chain leadership. I’m excited to be part of the Wakefield ADC team that keeps one of the UK’s biggest retailers running smoothly behind the scenes.

I’ve just completed my T Levels in Business, and I’ve always been fascinated by how organisations operate, especially the parts customers don’t see. I’ve gained hands-on experience helping run my uncle’s taxi firm, where I learned the importance of coordination, time management, and customer service. I’ve also led teams in fastpaced environments like stadiums and restaurants, which taught me how to stay calm under pressure and motivate others.

I’m passionate about leadership, logistics, and continuous improvement. I bring persistence, resilience, and discipline to every role I take on. I enjoy breaking down complex challenges into practical steps, whether it’s managing operations, solving problems on the fly, or helping a team perform at its best.

I’m looking forward to growing within the Asda organisation, learning from experienced leaders, contributing to real world projects, and building the skills I need to become a successful leader myself.

Rebecca worked in the soft drinks industry for over 17 years. However, living close to the Hinkley Point C construction project had piqued her interest, so when a role came up that would be part of the project, she jumped at the chance to be involved.

“This is my first role in logistics but, as an Account Manager, all of my skills were transferable. So although there was a lot to learn, I knew I had the core skill set for the role.”

Rebecca’s role is to be part of the infrastructure team focused on energy, identifying new business opportunities, participating in tenders and working closely with the marketing team.

However, because she was new to the sector, Rebecca was keen to expand her knowledge, and took the opportunity to complete a BSc (Hons) apprenticeship in Supply Chain Leadership, which is a three and half year course.

“My short-term goal is to complete my degree apprenticeship and graduate in 2025, and then after that who knows? I love that I’ve been given the opportunity to further my career like this, and for me it shows I made the right decision to change careers when I did.”

After they found his details on LinkedIn, the recruitment team at Indurent contacted Rawa directly to apply for his position. The rotational aspect of the role, with a chance to get a taste for each department really appealed to him, along with the opportunity to study for his Masters whilst on the job.

Rawa thrives on the diversity of life as a graduate in logistics, with responsibilities that range from working on investments and transactions, and dealing with the underwriters for new acquisitions, all the way to getting out on-site to meet and greet customers, and carrying out inspections.

“I’ve enjoyed being involved in challenging projects from Day One, and being trusted with a great deal of responsibility.”

Rawa has relished the opportunity to undertake development appraisals, assessing the development potential of smaller sites and considering their planning prospects and development costs. Coming up with a potential masterplan and development strategy is a task which offers him satisfaction and fulfilment in his work. 

Some of Rawa’s highlights since entering the industry have been the opportunities he’s had to visit logistics sites across the UK, getting to grips with operations in the exciting, fast-moving world of logistics, before going home and applying the skills and practices he’s seen in action to his own work.

Earlier this year, he had the chance to visit East Midlands Gateway with Generation Logistics, where he was given a tour of DHL’s new unit: 

“As someone who works in the development side of things, it was really interesting to see the automated pallet operations in such a huge unit, and to understand how occupiers make use of their space.”

I have worked at DHL Tradeteam for almost 3 years. I joined as a mate and was given the opportunity to becomes a Class 1 Driver. I attended College for a short period but then went straight into work as it wasn’t for me.

Having found the role through job searching and through friends who worked at Tradeteam, I knew that there were opportunities to grow and improve my skills.  I also found that the work life balance was very good and would suit my lifestyle.

The best thing about my role is that I have been able to meet new people and work with many different personalities in a healthy working environment.  This has, in turn, helped me to grow as a person.

My career highlight has been passing my Class 1 Driving which was a great opportunity for me and was supported by colleagues and Management to allow me to be able to achieve this.

In his role at DHL, Harry supports both the Midlands & Northern regions with Service Performance. Since taking up the position, he’s found that the skills he’d previously developed at school and university were applicable and easily transferable to logistics, with such a wide range of opportunities all under the same company roof.

“Logistics is vast – and far more than simply vehicles moving.”

After graduating from the University of Sheffield, Harry applied for, and was successful in, securing a place on the DHL Express Graduation Programme. The scheme has a wide scope, with eight months of rotation around different departments, providing a comprehensive grounding in all things logistics, with the aim of giving a thorough understanding of all aspects of the business.

Starting in Continuous Improvement, Harry moved on to Frontline Operations, giving him experience in both field and network ops. There was flexibility in choosing his third placement, so Harry chose Ops Performance, combining his newly acquired frontline knowledge with the analytical skills he picked up in his first placement. This third rotation quickly led to a full time position in Ops Performance as a Field Support Manager.

But just because he’s completed the Graduate Scheme doesn’t mean that Harry’s opportunities to learn are over. He recently secured a position on the Gen Next Programme – 18 months of development to support him in bridging any gaps in his logistics knowledge, covering areas such as HR Training, Finance and Productivity.

Speaking on the opportunities he’s been given to learn as he works, Harry’s thankful for the pathways that working in logistics has uncovered for him, leading him to new areas of expertise to help him continue to grow and expand his skill set.

My name is Sintija Stanners, and I work as a Class C+E Driver and Dray Person. My role involves delivering stock to pubs and venues, ensuring that goods are transported safely and efficiently while keeping to tight schedules.

When I first started my career in driving, I held a Class 2 driving licence. While working on the DHL Sainsbury’s contract, I decided to upskill and gain my Class 1 (C+E) licence. After achieving this, I applied for the Class 1 Driver / Dray Person role on the Tradeteam contract through the DHL careers website. The site operates multiple contracts, which created opportunities to move into different roles.

I did not attend university. Instead, I chose to pursue a practical career path and develop my skills through work and professional licences.

One of the main reasons I applied for the position was the working pattern and improved work–life balance. On the Sainsbury’s contract, I was working 12-hour shifts on a four-on, four-off rota. The Tradeteam role offered nine-hour days, which suited me better and also provided a higher income.

Before moving into HGV driving, I worked as a bus driver in 2015. Later, in 2023, I decided to gain my Class 2 licence and pursue a career in logistics. I’m very grateful to DHL for giving me the opportunity to start in the industry, as it can sometimes be challenging to get that first role after passing your test. At the time, some employers were hesitant to hire someone who had just passed their Class 2 licence, but DHL supported me and gave me the chance to prove myself.

There are several aspects of my role that I enjoy, but one of the most satisfying parts is planning my day. I like to check how much stock I have on the vehicle and estimate roughly what time I will finish my deliveries. By the end of the day, when the vehicle is empty, it gives me a real sense of achievement. I also enjoy delivering to pubs and interacting with different customers throughout the day.

My biggest career highlight so far has been progressing through different types of vehicles. I started driving smaller vehicles and have worked my way up to driving double-decker trailers. Being able to reach that level and handle such large vehicles confidently is something I am very proud of.

Looking back, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made in my driving career and excited to continue developing my skills in the logistics sector.

My current role is leading teams across data, operations, engineering, and focuses on designing and delivering automation and digital solutions that support both manual and automated operations. I work closely with data analysts to build tools that reduce administrative workload for shopfloor managers and improve decision-making, while also being involved in the engineering requirements needed to implement and scale automation.

My role has been shaped entirely through experience rather than formal qualifications. Over the past ten years in logistics, I have progressed through different roles, learning on the job and gaining practical knowledge in operations, leadership, automation, and continuous improvement. This hands-on journey has been central to my development and demonstrates how the logistics sector enables growth through experience and capability. Working on the shopfloor, leading teams, and later becoming involved in automation and data provided a practical education that has been directly relevant to my career. Logistics is a sector where learning never stops, and my development has been driven by curiosity, problem-solving, and a willingness to take on challenges outside my comfort zone.

With a strong operational background, I was attracted to the position because I have always been interested in improving processes and reducing complexity for frontline teams. Automation offered the opportunity to combine operational knowledge with technology and innovation. The role attracted me because it allows me to be involved in implementing and scaling automation while also developing digital tools that support managers and teams across all areas of the operation. The best part of my role is seeing innovation turn into real operational improvements. Whether it’s an automation deployment, a new digital tool, or developing people within my team and not only, the results are visible and measurable. I value being able to combine technology with operational reality to create solutions that genuinely help people on the ground.

A key career highlight has been delivering major operational change under extreme time pressure, including relocating an entire site within 48 hours. Another highlight has been deploying automation solutions faster than originally planned, proving what can be achieved through strong collaboration, trust, and leadership in a fast-moving logistics environment. I think that logistics suits people who can adapt, solve problems, and work effectively under pressure. Through my experience, I developed strong analytical skills, clear communication, and a practical leadership style. Working across different functions and managing change helped confirm that logistics was a sector where I could continuously develop and make a meaningful impact.

Karolina proves that there is always an opportunity to learn and develop within the Logistics industry.

Starting out in the Operational teams at Buffaload, Ellington, as a Transport Administrator, she decided on an exciting new career path within the company.

“There are two reasons why I decided to qualify as a driver; first of all, I love driving and have always admired truck drivers, it’s not an easy job. Secondly, I have always believed that in life it is worth improving your qualifications. I like it when something changes in my life.”

Karolina worked hard and passed the required tests. From there, she was assisted in her journey by the Buffaload Driver Training Team, who, she says, “allowed me to train in the yard to be more confident on the road. We have really great trainers with good tips.”

Reflecting on her change in career, Karolina speaks highly of her teams, past and present:

“I like that I had the opportunity to start a new interesting job with the Buffaload team. I also like contact with people, and have good relations with colleagues from the office.”

Hi, I’m Ethan Larkin, and I’ve been a Logistics Degree Apprentice at ALS for the past two years. I spent my first year at Wakefield CDC before moving to Yorkshire XDC in August 2024, where I’m currently based.

I applied for the apprenticeship shortly after completing my A-Levels, making this my first full-time role. Prior to this, I gained part-time experience working as bar staff at a local pub during college and as a junior football referee while in high school.

I was drawn to this apprenticeship because logistics is a field I’ve always been interested in, despite having limited prior knowledge. The opportunity to develop into a seasoned leader within such a fast-paced and critical industry really appealed to me.

Outside of work, I’m a big football fan (a loyal Manchester United supporter, for my sins!) and enjoy keeping active by going to the gym regularly. I find that training helps me stay motivated and focused, both personally and professionally. That same drive carries into my work, I enjoy the challenge of problem-solving in a dynamic depot environment, which constantly pushes me to adapt and improve.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to take on more senior responsibilities and step into higher levels of management. I’m keen to prove myself as a capable, reliable leader and continue developing the skills needed to succeed in a leadership role within the logistics industry.

The role keeps me on my toes which is what I want. 9 out of 10 times, I get a workout at work – which is great!

Karter Farrell is a Sea Logistics Intermodal Specialist at Kuehne + Nagel, where he plays a central role in managing the rail movement of containers across the UK. His position focuses on controlling rail traffic for containers, ensuring they move efficiently through the network with minimal disruption. While delays and challenges can sometimes be unavoidable in logistics, Karter’s role is about staying proactive, positive and solution-focused – even when the flow of containers isn’t in his favour!

A key part of his day-to-day responsibilities involves checking that containers are moving within the correct time and date frames to meet customer expectations. Making sure shipments arrive as planned is critical, and when they don’t, clear communication becomes just as important as operational efficiency. His goal is simple: resolve issues quickly and ensure customers are kept informed so everyone walks away satisfied.

The role requires Grade 4 GCSE Maths and Grade 4 GCSE English Language, providing a solid foundation in numeracy and communication — two essential skills in logistics. Karter did not attend university, instead choosing to step directly into the industry and gain hands-on experience.

He discovered the opportunity through GOV.UK and decided to take a chance and apply. Within one day, he received a response and was invited to interview the following week, a fast-moving process that reflected the pace of the sector itself.

What initially attracted him to the role was how sophisticated and dynamic it sounded. The idea of being involved in coordinating rail freight movements and working within a global logistics network was something he wanted to be part of. It offered responsibility, challenge and the opportunity to build specialist knowledge in intermodal transport.

Throughout school and previous experiences, Karter developed strong communication skills and the ability to understand situations from a customer’s perspective. In logistics, delays can happen, and not all news is positive. Being able to handle those conversations professionally, especially when a container doesn’t meet its agreed timeframe, is crucial. He focuses on offering the best possible solution and ensuring customers feel supported, even when circumstances are challenging.

The best part of his role is the continuous learning. Every day brings new knowledge, new scenarios and new challenges. He also values the social side of the job, building relationships with colleagues and being part of a team environment, and, as he puts it, getting paid to develop specialist skills is definitely a bonus!

When asked about his career highlight so far, Karter doesn’t point to one specific moment. Instead, he sees his entire journey as the highlight. From applying on GOV.UK to building expertise in rail operations, each step has contributed to his development. For him, the progression, growth and ongoing experience within the industry have been special and he hopes that journey continues.

My name is Flavia and I moved to England six years ago trying to find a better and more comfortable life for myself and started with ASDA just over five years ago as a picker. I chose a career in logistics because I feel like it can give you multiple possibilities to grow and develop. Since I started working with ASDA, I have had multiple positions that helped me not just grow in my career, but also learn different things about myself that maybe another job or career would have not given me the opportunity to learn. I currently work as a Warehouse Operative and I am trained to drive a reach truck and as a First Aider. I also train new starters, am a union rep, and I am in the You Can Be programme, which gives me the chance to develop knowledge that will help me to become a Department Manager.

In terms of my next steps, given that I am in the You Can Be programme, I want to become a Department Manager. I like to take easy and steady steps, so after I become a Department Manager, I will decide what the next step will be. But if I have a look at what I have accomplished in the last few years, I can say that I will not stop on Department Manager position! At ASDA, my development has been very smmoth, as I have had the right tools and support that I needed. ASDA offers a wide range of courses that we can attend to train and develop ourselves and our career.

If you’re thinking about a career in logistics, I say go for it! It can look difficult at the beginning, especially if you have never been in contact with this type of environment, but in the end, it is totally worthy as you’ll get plenty opportunities!