We’re proud to have been shortlisted for the UKWA Inclusive Employment Award, recognising our work alongside Sysco to create more accessible and inclusive pathways into logistics careers.
The UKWA Inclusive Employment Award recognises organisations that actively build diverse workforces through inclusive hiring, fair progression opportunities, supportive cultures and meaningful community partnerships, with clear evidence of real impact.
Opening Doors to Opportunity
Road to Logistics began working with Sysco Group with a simple aim, to help more people access careers in logistics, while supporting businesses to overcome ongoing recruitment challenges.
Although logistics is an important industry, it still struggles with a lack of diversity and a shortage of workers. Many individuals who could succeed are held back by barriers such as long-term unemployment, homelessness, care experience or neurodiversity.
Together, Road to Logistics and Sysco set out to tackle both issues, creating opportunities for individuals while building a reliable workforce to support the opening of Sysco’s largest UK distribution centre.
An Inclusive Recruitment Model That Works
The partnership focuses on a tailored training programme at Sysco’s Hemel Hempstead site. It combines practical logistics training, RTITB-accredited forklift qualifications, employability support and ongoing mentoring.
What makes the approach effective is its link to real roles. Sysco is involved throughout, helping to select candidates and shape how they prepare for recruitment. This makes sure that participants are ready for both the hiring process and the job itself.
The programme also focuses on removing common barriers to employment. Interview skills and assessment preparation are built into the training, helping learners feel more confident. Each person also receives one-to-one mentoring for up to 12 months after starting work, supporting long-term success.
Delivering Measurable Impact
The results have been strong. At Hemel Hempstead, 35 people completed the training, with 90% moving straight into roles with Sysco. This helped fill key vacancies and reduced the need for temporary staff.
The success of these programmes has led to further expansion, with additional cohorts delivered and a new driver training programme launching in Warrington. This next step helps address wider shortages in skilled driving roles across the sector.
The programme has reached people who often miss out on traditional recruitment opportunities:
• 100% joined unemployed (70% long-term unemployed)
• 30% were NEET
• 20% were care leavers
• 20% had experienced homelessness
• 40% identified as neurodiverse
• 25% were from ethnic minority backgrounds
Behind these figures are real people. One graduate, Levi, joined after experiencing homelessness and living in his car. After completing the programme, he secured a role as a forklift operator at Sysco and is now working towards stable housing. His story reflects the wider impact of the programme.
Building the Future Workforce
This partnership is part of Road to Logistics’ wider national work, which has supported over 720 people into logistics careers. Overall, 89% move into employment, with 94% still in the same job after 12 months.
The programme also delivers clear social value, with £6.50 returned for every £1 invested.
What makes this approach stand out is its long-term focus. It’s not a one-off initiative, but a scalable model that continues to grow and adapt to the needs of the industry.
This work shows that inclusive recruitment isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a practical way to build a stronger, more reliable workforce for the future.
We look forward to celebrating with other organisations driving positive change at the UKWA Awards on 15th July at the Royal Lancaster, London.
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