Increasingly closer cooperation between logistics companies and Summa
The second Logistics Roundtable was valuable. Logistics entrepreneurs from the Brainport region had productive discussions with representatives from Summa and the Transport and Logistics Sector Institute (STL). The goal? To connect with each other to ultimately recruit more talent for this sector, because logistics professionals are desperately needed within Brainport and beyond. And here too, the saying applies: together we can achieve more.
They enjoy racking up the miles in their trucks or engaging in diverse activities in a modern warehouse. They work for a traditional transport company or within an innovative logistics operation of a multinational. The work in this sector is diverse and different every day. That's not something you need to explain to the participants of the Logistics Roundtable. What is on the table, however, is the question of how to optimally share that passion and energy to inspire others to work in the sector. Whether they are students choosing a career or career changers of all ages, enthusiastic talent is more than welcome. After all, without logistics, the economy would grind to a halt. Recruiting and training new people is the ambition. And that's more effective through collaboration within an increasingly rich network.
Investing in people
Johan Ribberink (Summa) and Paul van der Pal (STL) discussed lifelong development. "If we promote a learning culture within companies and get the foundation right, we can scale up." It should be self-evident for employees to want to grow. And employers can foster this need for development: you need to continue developing throughout your working life.
Where do I want to go? And what do I need to do to get there? Investing in people. And if this sector is visible at the right time with the right message, if it manages to attract and retain talent, then it can grow. The speakers also discussed sustainable employability and innovation in education. Important topics that made it clear: the logistics sector is constantly evolving.
Learning within companies
Director Roel Akkerman of Summa Transport and Logistics had a concrete offer for the entrepreneurs. His school is relocating in 2025 and is embracing a new educational vision at its new location. Learning in an inspiring environment is central to this; away from the classroom, and spending hours at the locations where the action takes place. "In the logistics heart of our region," as Akkerman puts it. Students in vocational training (BBL) will learn in small groups within the companies, under the guidance of qualified and skilled Summa instructors. For the BOL students, there is Summa's new logistics living room at the De Run industrial estate in Veldhoven. Moving forward together is his wish, but it requires a long-term commitment from the entrepreneurs. "We have to forge new paths to keep the sector viable," said the enthusiastic Summa director. The entrepreneurs found it an interesting idea; something to consider within the companies. To be continued.
Brainstorming about important topics
Four groups continued their discussions on smarter education, optimal career development, effective recruitment, and lifelong development. The brainstorming sessions were then held at Summa's student-run restaurant, Smmaak.
What concrete actions can be taken in the coming period? What steps can be taken within existing structures? What needs do companies and the people we want to inspire in the sector have? And also: how can the network continue to grow and strengthen? The participants of this inspirational session left with a good feeling. This wasn't one of those days with topics that fade into the background the next day. Seeds have been planted here! And one day we will reap the harvest. Together, for a thriving sector with passionate professionals who experience every day how exciting and dynamic the logistics industry is.