To mark National Lorry Week 2023, which takes place from 23rd – 29th October, we are celebrating the incredible people that work in the logistics industry and how we can inspire the next generation about the diverse and rewarding careers available. In addition to this, it is an opportunity to showcase the work that is being done to make all aspects of the industry greener and more technology driven.
Challenge Logistics, the haulage and multi-port container logistics division of Challenge-trg Group, has a large team of talented, hard-working individuals who successfully deliver for our diverse portfolio of clients every day.
One of these individuals is Wade Jones who is a compliance associate, and he has shared the story of how he ended up establishing his career in logistics. Read the interview below.
Wade, you said that you have only recently moved into logistics, can you tell us what you were doing before and how you came to work in the industry?
After I achieved my GCSEs, I decided to continue my education and study Maths, Business, Economics, and Statistics at Winstanley College.
On completion of my A-Levels I was planning on attending university to study business and economics but with all the uncertainty around the pandemic and what studying would be like, I decided to leave my comfort zone completely and join the Navy. After completing a range of training courses, I qualified as a Weapon Engineering Technician and travelled the world! I loved the job, but I have always been drawn to a business-related career so on leaving the Navy I found the compliance associate role with Challenge Logistics.
As compliance associate, what does a typical day look like?
With transport and logistics being such a dynamic industry, coupled with working for such a progressive business, I wouldn’t say that a typical day exists per se, however, the overall responsibility for every single day is to ensure that we, as a company, remain within the legal standards set in every aspect of the operation. This can be making sure vehicles are road legal or ensuring that our drivers are well rested and fit to drive. There is no room for error working in compliance, everything must be perfect otherwise we risk putting the business in a compromised position.
With that said, this is great motivation to push beyond and make sure that we as a business are striving for nothing less than the very best.
What has your journey with Challenge Logistics consisted of, so far?
Since joining Challenge Logistics, I have been lucky enough to observe and be involved in many insightful ventures in such a short time, this has provided me with exceptional on the job learning opportunities.
I have also been offered a range of training courses which have not only helped me in my current role but also expanded my knowledge and skills across other facets of logistics. I have recently worked on my first acquisition project and also completed my Transport Managers CPC.
For the CPC, the actual course was 2 weeks long and consisted of around 96 hours’ worth of resource, so it was quite intense and had a difficult exam process, however, I would say I benefitted massively from all the on the job learning I’ve had, which I only have my manager to thank for with the amount of trust put in me to learn all these skills and become competent in such a short space of time.
What is your favourite part of your job?
It’s got to be the fast-paced environment that comes with logistics. The best way I could describe it is enjoyable chaos which is ultimately why it is so rewarding.
What does the future look like?
I am always looking out for learning opportunities and I’m willing to sign up to any and every course that is available if it will benefit both myself and the company. I am fortunate to work for a company that invests in their people and provides opportunity to grow. We are currently discussing different development options including apprenticeships and management courses, with the hope of eventually completing a degree level qualification specific to the area I chose to settle in.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in logistics?
For anyone looking to venture into the logistics world, my only recommendation would be to keep an open mind and realise the potential the industry offers to anyone willing to invest in their own career.
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