Think Logistics, the brain-child of Abbey Logistics' Steve Granite, has the backing of the RHA (Road Haulage Association) and several leading truck operators, and is being delivered by national education charity Career Academies UK.
"At last, a serious initiative addressing the industry's root concerns," comments DAF Trucks managing director Ray Ashworth.
"I've been deeply impressed with Think Logistics and how it has been engaging directly with young people at schools and colleges. With Steve Granite's infectious passion for trucks and transport, and with his unwavering determination to attract a new generation ... we have an irresistible combination with genuine potential to open the eyes of young people."
"Think Logistics is an ambitious project," comments Ian Nichol, National STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) development manager at Career Academies UK, "and we're very pleased with results thus far.
"Now, with the influence of an industry leader such as DAF Trucks behind us, the true potential of our endeavours can be realised. Quite simply, DAF Trucks gives us clout."
Through Career Academies UK, Think Logistics has been delivering industry-specific awareness workshops at schools and colleges, and now has plans to set up five strategically located logistics academies in the North-East, Humberside, East Midlands, Manchester and the South West in September this year.
The first Logistics Academy was opened in September 2014 at West Derby School, in Liverpool.
Real-world experience will be provided by mentoring programmes from operators involved in the project, including Eddie Stobart, Bibby Distribution, Matthew Kibble Transport, Brian Yeardley Continental and Caterpillar. DAF Trucks now lends its weight to the project.