GXO is the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider, solving complex logistics challenges with technologically advanced supply chain solutions for the world’s leading blue-chip companies. The company employs more than 40,000 team members in the UK and Ireland, across over 300 facilities.

We spoke to Liam Burditt, Head of Learning and Development, about our longstanding partnership to provide opportunities for degree apprentices.

When did you start hiring degree apprentices?

GXO and Sheffield Hallam University have worked in partnership since 2018 to deliver a degree apprenticeship programme that allows apprentices to develop specialist leadership skills in logistics and supply chain management, using mainly work-based learning while also gaining a formal qualification.

How does it work?

The apprentices spend most of their time in the workplace at GXO, attending university for three or four days at a time in blocks throughout the year. Apprentices work in our logistics network and interact with key customers from a wide variety of industries.

We have over 35 sites taking part in the degree apprenticeship programme across business areas including operations, HR, health and safety, finance and continuous improvement.

Why did you want to recruit degree apprentices?

We have a constant need to attract and retain new talent. These apprenticeships are a form of succession planning for us, providing high-potential colleagues who can effectively transition into management positions.

How do you use the apprenticeships to upskill your existing workforce?

The supply chain leadership degree apprenticeship is open to all of our employees, offering opportunities for progression. It’s specifically focused on our operation, with a great combination of work-based learning supported by academic study — including projects which provide business benefits to GXO and our customers.

It means our staff can learn the latest academic thinking around logistics and gain formal recognition of their learning. For some it’s a chance to attend university that they may not have had previously. One in every two roles that we fill in GXO comes from internal advancement so it’s a great way to future-proof our management pipeline. This is vital to support our growth plans.

How do apprenticeships benefit your sector?

They bring in the latest knowledge of logistics. Degree apprentices must be equipped not only with the skills needed today but also those likely to be useful in the future and anticipate for example, the impact that increased automation and AI will have on our operations. Armed with both academic and vocational tools, degree apprentices are well-positioned to prepare for future developments in our industry and tackle the challenges that come with these changes.

In GXO, our degree apprentices have spread new academic, technical and vocational knowledge across the workforce, bringing new ideas, energy and innovation. Some of our apprentices are applying their newly gained knowledge in continuous improvement, delivering great customer impact which in turn brings important cost savings.

What have been the tangible returns on investment for GXO?

We wouldn’t recruit degree apprentices if we couldn’t demonstrate a tangible return on investment. Looking at the people element, apprentices who complete the degree apprenticeship move rapidly in their career. And from an employer perspective, we gain a highly-skilled and motivated individual to push our operations to the next level.

What advantages do degree apprenticeships bring?

The practical, hands-on nature of the apprenticeship is the key advantage. When these apprentices qualify, they don’t need to start learning the job — they’ve already been doing it for three years.

For the apprentices themselves, they get paid a salary, they don’t pay tuition fees and they have a clear pathway to their future career. They can increase their lifetime earning potential by £150,000.

Our apprentices have gone on to work in roles ranging from operations manager to continuous improvement manager as well as careers in project management, finance and HR.

Why did you choose Sheffield Hallam as your degree apprenticeship provider?

We chose to form a close partnership with Sheffield Hallam in 2018 to develop a bespoke programme after considering a range of other universities.

They have strong links with industry, with experienced and knowledgeable tutors from organisations including Rolls-Royce and Asda. They have a very supportive and individualised approach to all apprentices and a firm commitment to helping them all to achieve. And they have excellent teaching and outstanding support for their students.

We have found them to be flexible and adaptable around GXO operations and peak periods, with a keen commitment to ongoing improvement and obtaining employer and apprentice feedback.