Minister of State at the Department of Transport, with special responsibility for international and road transport and logistics, James Lawless, TD., has said he is fully committed to addressing the needs of the sector.
Minister Lawless says the recently published Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group (LSCSG) Work Programme 2024–2027 aims to address the current and future skills shortages in the sector.
The Minister commented: “The programme outlines 12 key actions for how we can best do this. The LSCSG promotes careers, skill development, diversity, and sustainable employment in the logistics and supply chain sectors, raising awareness of the sector’s growing skill requirements.”
He continued: “The LSCSG Work Programme includes specific actions, including seeking a new demand forecast analysis and assessment of skills needs in the sector out to 2030. Actions also include evaluating the role and responsibilities of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers, and the environment in which they work, to assess how to make driving a more attractive career.”
As part of the continued work of bringing the sector to the attention of young people, it is also intended to pilot a Logistics and Supply Chain Programme for Transition Year students.
“This initiative aims to address skills shortages and attract more talent to roles across the sector, ensuring the protection of the nation’s supply chains. Logistics and supply chain skills week,” the Minister noted.
This initiative aims to address skills shortages and attract more talent to roles across the sector, ensuring the protection of the nation’s supply chains. The third Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week is scheduled for March 31 to April 5, 2025. Its objective is to attract more talent to roles that are vital for safeguarding the nation’s supply chains.
A highlight of the week will be the LogisTYcs Skills Expo on April 3 — a free event tailored for Transition Year students. The aim is to engage as many young individuals as possible, reshape their perceptions of logistics and supply chains and provide them with the inspiration and tools to pursue careers in the field.
Evolving skills for logistics careers
In this valued sector, skill requirements are continuously evolving, particularly with the incorporation of digital and sustainability competencies. Recent job postings for logistics and supply chain positions emphasise the increasing need for expertise in environmental legislation, transportation and freight methods, procurement practices and other sector-specific skills. Our goal is to raise awareness around the logistics and supply chain sector and to encourage more individuals to see it as a promising career path.
