The Irish logistics and supply chain sector needs “more women and more diverse talent,” according to Fianna Fáil Junior Minister Jack Chambers.
Chambers – who is Minister of State with special responsibility for international and road transport and logistics – is today launching Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week 2024, which will run until this this Saturday. It will open with an IBEC conference this morning, and will “explore the crucial role that diversity and inclusion can play in future-proofing Ireland’s vital supply chain network,” according to a statement by the Department of Transport.
The Logistics and Supply Chain sector involves the movement of goods around the world by road, rail, sea, and air as well as management of supply, demand, distribution, and procurement operations.
“69% of workers in the Logistics and Supply Chain sector are male, while 31% are female,” the Department said in a statement.
“25% of truck & van drivers are 55 years and older and 43% of other drivers & operatives are 55 years and older.”
They added: “The sector needs more young people, more women and more diverse talent to secure the vital role that it will play in the future of Ireland’s economy and in the global climate challenge.”
The Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week aims to encourage students, new entrants, and career changers to consider education and careers in logistics and supply chain, and to “inspire an industry-wide discussion on the challenges and opportunities of building resilient, future-proof, and sustainable supply chains.”
Seaking about the event, Chambers said there was a “severe labour and skills shortage” in the sector.
“The Logistics and Supply Chain sector underpins Ireland’s economy,” he said.
“It is vital to the success of Irish businesses and to the life of Irish citizens and communities. International crises such as COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and recent events in the Red Sea continue to highlight the critical importance of this often-invisible process, without which the economy does not function.
“But there is a severe labour and skills shortage in the sector. We need more young people, more women and more diverse talent to consider education and careers in Logistics and Supply Chain.”
He added that the the Logistics and Supply Chain sector “will have a key role to play in tackling the global climate challenge” and creating a “climate-neutral society.”
“Professionals working in the sector are key decision makers on what products get made, how they are packaged and transported and how waste is managed at the end of a supply chain,” he said.
“By harnessing digital innovations, supporting transition to green technologies and maximising the potential of circular economy, logistics and supply chain can play a crucial role in creating a truly sustainable, climate-neutral society.”
IBEC CEO Danny McCoy added that the Irish economy “heavily relies” on the efficiency of logistics and supply chains, with imports totalling €141 billion and exports amounting to €208 billion in 2022.
“The Transportation and Storage sector accounted for nearly €10 billion in Gross Value Added to the Irish economy in 2022,” he said.
“Any threat to our supply chain reliance is a challenge that should not be underestimated. We are delighted to support the government’s initiatives aimed at promoting the need for skills across all aspects of supply chains.”
He added that IBEC is placing a “particular emphasis” on diversity and inclusion in 2024.
“This year, IBEC is placing particular emphasis on the greater role diversity and inclusion can play in broadening the skills base for the sector,” he said.
“IBEC sees a real opportunity to unlock untapped talent pools and bridge skill gaps. Embracing diversity and inclusion not only broadens our talent base but also fosters a more robust and future-proof supply chain network.”