ASCO shows commitment to nurturing the next generation

ASCO has been a market leader of logistics and materials management globally for more than 50 years. This legacy is a key driver for the organisation to be positioned as an employer of choice with a commitment to nurturing the next generation of ASCO expertise.

ASCO operates several different programmes to welcome and encourage new talent across the business covering various skillsets including commercial, finance, warehousing and logistics. This year alone it has supported foundation apprenticeships as well as putting some existing employees through a graduate apprentice programmes in Business Management and Finance, and welcoming four graduates, three apprentices and four placement students.

ASCO Group HR Director, Nicola Smith, said: “I believe that what makes us stand apart from our competitors is our renewed focus on making ASCO a great place to work; the company wants its employees to have the room to progress and develop their careers. We want to be a strong and sustainable company, committed to still being here for generations to come. It’s a positive message for the next generation to hear and, I believe, provides confidence in the longevity of this industry.

“Like all companies, ASCO looks for the right people; but it’s not always about having in-depth knowledge of the industry. Our candidates need to have the right skills and attitude to succeed, and we will develop their experience and knowledge. The market is challenging, and organisations need to make sure they are not just attracting the right people but also retaining them. Having a talented and enthusiastic workforce is one of the industry’s most important assets.”

ASCO’s apprentice programme has been in place for several years and currently offers apprentices practical work experience to achieve qualifications in Logistics Operations Management and Business Administration. In August this year the organisation welcomed Joel Murray into a Logistics Management Apprenticeship in Shipping and Warehousing and Calista Sandison into a Business Administration apprenticeship, both based in Peterhead as well as Liam Dinnie into a Warehouse Logistics Management Apprenticeship in Aberdeen.

Joel Murray, said: “I’ve really enjoyed learning more about the internal operations of the company and getting the opportunity to be responsible for clients materials. On some occasions I have been doing this on my own, which I feel is a great way to develop my skills and knowledge about the job, allowing me the ability to learn first-hand.”

Liam Dinnie, said: “The array of staff you have the opportunity to learn from is great, all from various backgrounds. Everyone is eager to help and having a mentor and another previous apprentice within the warehouse has been greatly beneficial to me and everyone here has been brilliant to work with. The management team are always on hand to help me with any issues or questions. I also think it’s great to see a company like ASCO having such a focus on safety.”