The logistics sector is recruiting and, to spread the word, the Pil’es (Pole Intelligence Logistique) held a second edition of the “Biennale de la Logistique” from 5 to 8 March 2019. The event assembled members of the private, public and non-profit sectors to promote the logistics professions.
After participating actively in first event in 2017, Prologis, a member and founder of the Pil’es, renewed its support to the Lyon-based organization for this edition. The leading provider of logistics real estate provided a perfect venue for the Nord Isère logistics community - a 15,000 square meter warehouse unit in Saint-Quentin-Fallavier, near Lyon. More than 1,500 participants and visitors attended the event at the entirely renovated site to exchange on the different logistics professions with a view to encouraging more people to consider careers in the industry.
While demand for logistics has never been greater, particularly with the explosion of e-commerce, recruiters are struggling to find candidates at all levels, from operators to engineers.
The Pil’es has therefore intensified its efforts to promote these promising careers. A thousand secondary school students attended workshops run by Pil’es members to learn more about the logistics industry. Around thirty students from a number of schools and universities took part in a 24 hour hackathon based on the reorganization of a business model from BtoB to BtoC, and its impact on logistics at the French construction materials group, Saint-Gobain.
A recruitment fair was organized for job seekers, with 300 positions on offer in 18 companies. Partners included France’s national employment office, Pôle Emploi, and a number of other public institutions.
The labor market is tight. The Nord Isère logistics sector will need to recruit around 10,000 people, and the Pil’es estimates that 8% to 10% of those jobs, in order processing but also in support functions and post-graduate level jobs, are open now.
Prologis believes that many of its customers could attract more candidates with well located, adapted, modern logistics facilities and by promoting the range of professions locally. “We didn’t think twice about taking part,” explained Jean-Charles Feliu and Aurélien Baudoin, Leasing Officer and Property Manager at Prologis and members of the Pil’es Board. “As a major logistics company in the region, our participation at this type of event supports our customers’ development.”
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