Get the Nation Learning Week & Make your Voice Heard on Skills

As part of this year’s Get the Nation Learning Week (3-7 November 2025), I represented UKWA alongside industry leaders, training providers and policymakers during a round table discussion on Upskilling and Reskilling in Logistics organised by Logistics UK and the Learning and Work Institute. The discussion explored current and future skills needs in warehousing and logistics, barriers to workforce development, innovative training models for modern operations and policy recommendations to enable scalable, sustainable learning across the sector.

Amongst a backdrop of significant change in Westminster, be it the development of a new Freight and Logistics Plan, the recent post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, or the looming autumn budget, events such as this are crucial to bring together industry leaders and highlight the needs of the sector to government colleagues.

Upskilling and reskilling existing staff is the most effective way for businesses to meet growing skills gaps in the sector, particularly in fast-developing areas such as technology, robotics, green logistics and AI. The use of AI in the sector was discussed in depth, and the participants outlined how the technology is already widely used and is helping improve efficiency by automating many tasks. Artificial Intelligence is not a threat to jobs, but cultural change is just as important as technological change if warehousing and logistics businesses are to maximise the opportunities.

However, up-to-date, relevant and accessible training must first be in place before upskilling or reskilling can even be considered. Alongside UKWA members GXO and Maersk, we discussed the importance of clear, mapped training pathways, particularly for young people considering a career in the sector.

Particularly timely this month were contributions from the Ministry of Defence, who highlighted the importance of logistics to defence operations, and the strong employment opportunities generated through the sector for ex-armed forces and veterans.

The issues we raise at events like this on behalf of the sector are informed through our engagement with members. Recently, we launched a survey for all UKWA members to tell us about your thoughts on skills, training and employment. This is a crucial opportunity to feed directly into the UKWA’s policy positions and influence the Government via our targeted engagement on your behalf.