Three female Aston University students who are helping to keep the country moving are in the running for national industry awards this month.
The three degree apprentices are finalists in the Everywoman Transport & Logistics Awards 2022 which celebrate the vital contribution women make to transport and logistics, a traditionally male-dominated industry.
A degree apprenticeship provides the opportunity to gain a paid-for degree while getting industry experience and earning a salary. Degree apprenticeships take three to six years to complete, depending on the course level.
Amy Hinsliff-Smith, who works for CEVA Logistics and is in the second year of a Supply Chain Degree Apprenticeship, is nominated for apprentice of the year.
Claire Charlton, who works as Head of W2, Wincanton’s innovation programme and is studying for an MSc Supply Chain Leadership & Management Degree Apprenticeship, is in the running for the tech innovator title.
Finally, Nikki Foley who also works for Wincanton, has been nominated for the warehouse leader award. Nikki has just completed the MSc Supply Chain Leadership & Management programme at Aston University.
Last year another Aston University student, Sian Coley, was named as the Everywoman Awards apprentice of the year.
David Leach, senior teaching fellow, Engineering Systems & Supply Chain Management said: “We are very proud to have three Aston University degree apprenticeship students in the finals.
“Diversity unlocks innovation and drives growth and this is why it’s important to highlight these Aston University success stories.
“Shifting perceptions and creating role models will encourage more women and more employers to consider degree apprenticeships.
“Aston University is the UK’s leading logistics faculty. based on our portfolio spanning across full time undergraduate & postgraduate programmes plus apprenticeships at L6 & L7 – we have a bigger portfolio than others and collectively more students.”
The awards were founded 15 years ago to highlight progression, accomplishments and increasing avenues of opportunity for women within the sector.
The Covid-19 crisis and driver shortages have thrown transport and logistics into the spotlight, with those working in the sector hailed as key worker heroes for keeping essential suppliers stocked. Nearly 1.5 million people work in transport and logistics in the UK, but less than a quarter of these are female, according to a report from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills in 2020.
The winners will be announced on 30 June.
