Women considering a career in one of the UK's most vital industries were given the opportunity to meet leading employers and discover a wealth of career pathways at West Thames College's annual Women in Logistics Recruitment and Careers Event.
The event brought together job-ready women with some of the biggest names in the logistics and transport sector, highlighting the industry's growing demand for skilled talent and the important contribution women are making to its future. Throughout the day, attendees heard from industry leaders, took part in practical workshops, received interview and CV support, developed employability skills, and had the opportunity to secure jobs, work placements and mentoring.
As one of the UK's largest economic sectors, logistics underpins almost every aspect of daily life, ensuring goods, services and supply chains keep businesses operating and communities connected. With the industry continuing to evolve through technology, sustainability and automation, employers are increasingly looking to attract a more diverse workforce to help shape its future.
Opening the event, West Thames College CEO and Principal Marta Gajewska emphasised the vital role logistics plays in the economy and encouraged more women to consider the sector's wide range of career opportunities. She said: "Logistics keeps our economy moving and offers rewarding careers for people with a wide range of skills. It's inspiring to see more women succeeding across the industry, and we hope events like this give others the confidence to take that first step."
Representatives from Heathrow Airport, Evri, Whistl and TVS Supply Chain Solutions shared their own career journeys and highlighted the breadth of opportunities available across logistics, from apprenticeships and operational roles to leadership positions.
Poorvi Patel from Heathrow Airport encouraged attendees to look beyond traditional perceptions of logistics, saying: "The sector is about connecting people, businesses and communities, with opportunities for those who are curious, adaptable and keen to make a difference."
Gemma Savage from Evri stressed the importance of encouraging more women into the industry through education, apprenticeships and employment. She said: "The future of logistics depends on attracting diverse talent. We want more women to recognise the exciting career opportunities available and help build an industry that reflects the communities it serves."
Louise O'Neil from Whistl reassured students that career paths do not have to be planned from the outset. She said: "You don't need to have your whole career mapped out. Staying open to new opportunities and believing in yourself can lead to a fulfilling career in an industry driven by innovation, people and opportunity."
Returning to support the event, Simi Punn from TVS Supply Chain Solutions reflected on her own journey into logistics and the sector's rapid transformation. She said: "Logistics rewards curiosity, resilience and continuous learning. As technology and sustainability reshape the industry, we need fresh perspectives and diverse talent, and mentoring the next generation is an important part of that future."
The event forms part of West Thames College's ongoing commitment to supporting women into high-growth sectors by building confidence, developing employability skills and creating direct links with employers. By showcasing successful female role models and providing practical routes into employment, apprenticeships and further training, the College hopes to inspire more women to pursue careers in an industry that is central to the UK's economy and full of long-term opportunities.
