The Malcolm Group is one of the UK’s largest Logistics and Construction service providers. A family run business created back in the 1920’s, its success can be attributed to the partnerships built between employees, suppliers and customers across the UK. The Malcolm Group’s one aim and vision is to become the market leader in every area of their operation and it’s this philosophy that underpins their outstanding track record in providing practical solutions to businesses across the UK. This way of thinking and working creates a progressive approach; in which the company takes great pride in. In line with this, The Malcolm Group is extremely supportive in creating Apprenticeship opportunities and actively encourages young people to take up a career in logistics.
With such a focus on young people we went along to the Malcolm Logistics Head Office in Newhouse, North Lanarkshire to meet the Customer Support Manager, Raymond Sherry, who has first hand experience in benefitting from a Modern Apprenticeship with the company. Having left school in 2003 with a couple of Higher Qualifications, Raymond was encouraged down the University route where he studied Quantity Surveying. Although Raymond admits University was a great life experience, he also
told us how it really wasn’t for him and dropped out of his course to carve a new career path as a Modern Apprenticeship with Malcolm Logistics. Raymond initially worked as a Stock Controller and progressing
through his career within the warehouse he gradually took on more responsibility as he gained more experience. Continued progression was on the horizon for Raymond as he moved into the fast paced Traffic Department as a Traffic Planner where he was trained up on the job. With it being quite an intense role, Raymond’s overarching knowledge of the business was paramount, and with the experience gained through his Modern Apprenticeship it definitely helped his progression within the company.
After several years at Malcom Logistics, Raymond took a big decision to relocate to Australia where he lived and worked for 2 ½ years. During his time in Australia, Raymond told us that the skills and qualifications he had gained at Malcolm Logistics were easily transferrable and certainly helped him to quickly secure employment. The all-round nature of the Logistics Sector was a definite benefit in this regard. In 2016 Raymond went full-circle and returned to employment as a Traffic Planner with Malcolm Logistics. After some time, an opportunity for a Customer Support Manager arose within the business, ideally suited to someone who had experience in various departments of Malcolm Logistics; Raymond ticked all the boxes and successfully applied for and secured the role. When we asked Raymond what advice he would give young people considering a career in logistics he told us that “if you’re willing to work hard you can do anything in logistics” and his own career path proves this. Having worked in the business for several years and now promoted to a Management position, it is clear how much Raymond enjoys his career within Logistics. gained more experience. Continued progression was on the horizon for Raymond as he moved into the fast paced Traffic Department as a Traffic Planner where he was trained up on the job. With it being quite an intense role, Raymond’s overarching knowledge of the business was paramount, and with the experience gained through his Modern Apprenticeship it definitely helped his progression within the company.
Before we left Malcolm Logistics we met with Gillian Mullen, Training & Development Advisor, whose role involves working with DYW and young people in general. Gillian explained how keen Malcolm Logistics is on recruiting Apprentices and that they really do invest time and effort into every young person who comes into the business. We have worked with Malcolm Logistics through forums and educator events in an attempt to get the word out there about careers in logistics. Gillian told us that people can only really understand the scope of the sector once they spend some time in it so these events are vitally important in raising awareness in young people about the options available in logistics. There are roles in Support Service departments and Workshops as well as the better known Warehouse Operatives and Lorry Driver career paths within logistics. It is often a common misconception that logistics is a career for more experienced people however; it is evident to us upon meeting Raymond and Gillian that they are open and are actively encouraging more people into the sector as they certainly see that our young people can be the future of Malcom Logistics.