Final day of the UK’s premier logistics event connects over five hundred students with industry leaders through tours and expert sessions during its Next Generation Programme
Multimodal 2026 concluded today at the NEC Birmingham with a dedicated day that placed skills, apprenticeships and future talent firmly at the centre of the UK’s largest transport, logistics and supply chain management exhibition.
The final day of the three-day event welcomed students and educators from across the region, providing young people with a unique opportunity to explore career options within one of the UK’s most dynamic and fast-growing sectors.
As part of a major skills initiative, students were guided around the exhibition floor and introduced to leading trade associations, employers and industry professionals. The programme was designed to connect young people and organisations actively seeking the next generation of talent.
Bringing logistics careers to life
Hosted by Dulcie Jervis from Meantime Communications, the Next Generation Programme combined interactive presentations, real-world case studies and apprenticeship advice designed specifically for young people considering their future careers.
Among the highlights was an engaging session from Carl Hobbis, Member Services Director at the British International Freight Association (BIFA), who presented ‘10 Reasons to Consider Logistics as a Career’. Joined by two young industry professionals, Hobbis used live audience participation and interactive quizzes to demonstrate the breadth of opportunities available within the sector.
Students also heard from John Corr, Senior Project Manager at Global Motion, who provided a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the planning and delivery of large-scale international tour logistics. Using examples from major stadium productions, Corr explained how logistics professionals coordinate multiple transport modes across countries and continents to ensure shows remain on schedule.
The programme also tackled the increasingly important subject of global trade, with Bee Newboult, Head of Regional Marketing and Expansion at Customs Support Group, explaining how customs processes and international supply chains keep goods moving around the world, and how disruptions at borders can have far-reaching consequences for businesses and consumers alike.
Students were also introduced to apprenticeship pathways through an interactive session led by Annie Graham, Head of Apprenticeships at Logistics UK, which highlighted the wide range of opportunities available to young people entering the industry.
Career hubs create meaningful industry connections
A standout feature of the day was the Career Hubs initiative, which transformed traditional exhibition visits into structured learning experiences.
Guided groups of students met with representatives from some of the industry’s most respected organisations, including Logistics UK, BIFA, UKWA, CILT and the Cold Chain Federation, gaining valuable insight into the diverse range of careers available across the sector.
“Attracting and developing new talent is one of the most important priorities for the future of our industry,” said Robert Jervis, Event Director, Multimodal.
“Logistics is evolving rapidly, creating exciting opportunities in technology, sustainability, engineering, operations and international trade. The Next Generation Programme has given young people the chance to see first-hand just how varied and rewarding working in multimodal industries can be. If we want the sector to continue innovating and growing, we must actively engage the next generation and show them that logistics offers meaningful, long-term careers with real impact.”
At the heart of UK Logistics Week
The dedicated Next Generation Programme brought what has been the most dynamic edition of the event to date, with, for the first time, Warehouse and Yard, and eDX (the delivery and fulfilment arm of IRX) joining Multimodal under the same roof.
Held from 30th June to 2nd July at the NEC Birmingham, visitors benefited from a conference programme spanning five theatres and featuring contributions from official partners including Logistics UK, BIFA, UKWA, CIOE&IT, alongside many of the sector’s most influential voices.
As Multimodal 2026 draws to a close, the success of today’s programme highlights the growing commitment across the industry to investing in future talent and ensuring the next generation is equipped to lead the sector into the future.
Multimodal 2027 will take place from 29th June – 1st July 2027, at Birmingham NEC. Registration will be available from January 2027.