Features: Logistics graduate schemes with Royal Mail

Written by Jordan Butler, Editor, Graduate Prospects, April 2013

The logistics sector has often been viewed as a male-dominated and unfashionable place to start a career - but Royal Mail is setting out to alter these perceptions

Logistics is the commercial activity of transporting goods to customers, something which Royal Mail has been involved with for almost 500 years. Something of a British institution, the company's origins can be traced back to the 16th century and the rule of Henry VIII.

But recently the company has faced stiff competition from other organisations and is currently undergoing one of the largest transformations in its history, as it looks to focus its attention on transporting more parcels and fewer letters.

 

Consequently, Royal Mail needs more forward-thinking, young minds to help implement this change and is actively creating positions for graduates.

However it is not just Royal Mail that needs graduate brainpower, the entire transport and logistics sector would benefit from an injection of youth. The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) makes clear that there is a large demand for fresh-faced employees because of an ageing workforce in its sector report of 2012.

Women in logistics

But the logistics sector doesn't just need young impetus. It requires more women to apply for positions to balance up the workforce.
 
In 2010/11, a total of 450 graduates secured postal and courier roles in the UK, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Institutions Survey. Just 34.4% of these graduates were females.

Royal Mail's actions mirror these findings, as they seek more women to apply for graduate roles. The company has been making numerous changes to policy and procedure to create a more female-friendly organisation.

For example, it introduced a Women's Network in 2010, which is still used today to improve networking among women in the company. Other initiatives include the new flexible working options that have been designed to help those returning after maternity leave.

Operations graduate scheme

Royal Mail's Operations graduate programme lasts for 18 months and is split into three six-month placements across various areas of the company. Successful applicants will receive a basic salary of £24,000 plus benefits.

The operations team sets the strategy, preserves the fleet of 39,000 vehicles, maintains the technology and generally keeps the mail moving, with 58 million items delivered each day, six days a week.

What skills do I need?

To apply for a role in the Operations programme the Royal Mail requires a 2:1 degree in any subject.

Applicants also need:

• the capability to work nights or early mornings;
• the flexibility to work in different locations across the UK;
• leadership and teamwork skills;
• strong communication skills.

Applications for this year's graduate operation programme close at noon on 29 May 2013. For more information and how to apply, visit Royal Mail - Job Details - Operations .