A shortage of talent is becoming a critical issue for the materials handling industry prompting the United Kingdom Materials Handling Association (UKMHA) to roll out a plan to address the matter.

Arguing the long-term future of the UK materials handling sector is currently under threat from the “twin challenges of an aging workforce and a lack of young talent being attracted to pursue careers in the industry”, UKMHA believes it’s time to be proactive.

To realise this, UKMHA has developed a plan to “reverse the talent shortage in the materials handling industry” through two initiatives “designed to support the industry in cultivating future talent whilst also enhancing the skills of the current workforce”.

The two-pronged approach is made up of a dedicated apprenticeship initiative and making more training courses available.

UKMHA recently launched 11 new technical training courses, a three-fold increase, “designed to equip companies in the materials handling sector with the appropriate skills their workers need”.

The dedicated apprenticeship program offers pathways to those aspiring to a career in the materials handling sector, allows companies to continue to develop staff internally and provides staff with ongoing opportunities to learn.

UKMHA chief executive officer Rob Fisher says of the program: “Ensuring you have the right individuals for each role is crucial. This is why hiring an apprentice presents an excellent opportunity for businesses to recruit, train, and nurture future talent.”