Dixon Transport has hired its first apprentice in a move to support and encourage the younger generation to consider a career in the logistics and distribution sector.
Ronan Reilly is completing his Logistics Associate Apprenticeship (LAA) with Dixon Transport which will see him working on a rotation basis across a 2-year period while being mentored by Dixon Logistics Manager, Colum Aungier. The rotation will enable Ronan to get broad exposure across the whole business and ultimately help him make a decision about his chosen career on completion.
For the first thee months, Ronan will work in the Warehouse and Logistics department, learning about stock control and customer service.
After Christmas, he will move to a transport desk to learn about the day to day trucking side of the business. This will be followed by a three-month placement in the Accounts department, while finishing year one with a term on the Fleet management desk.
A review and assessment will be completed at the end of year one and a plan will be formulated for year 2.
The 2-year apprenticeship is managed through the LAA programme which provides academic education and practical training across the freight, logistics, shipping and distribution industries. The apprenticeship involves working full time with an employer while spending one day a week with Technological University Dublin for their academic studies. The completion of the programme leads to a Level 6 Award on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Dixon Transport’s support for the apprenticeship is part of a longer-term strategy to encourage younger people, with fresh thinking and ideas to consider working in the sector.
Dixon Transport CEO, Michael Dixon, said; “It’s really important we focus on the younger generation and keep encouraging more students to consider a career in the industry. We’ve been looking to get an apprentice on board for a while and the LAA programme is a great opportunity to recruit fresh and enthusiastic talent while they also receive academic training.”
Ronan had previously worked at Dixon Transport during his transition year and came back to work full time during the summer.
“We saw huge potential and sense of enthusiasm in Ronan and are excited to see how he grows over the next 2-years through the LAA Programme. We’d also encourage other students with an interest in the sector to consider the programme and get experience working while studying” said Michael.
The Government has increased its Skills Package funding in the Budget 2021 which will help drive additional programmes and initiatives for students to upskill.
For more information about the LAA Programme, visit www.laa.ie
