Starting them young - Woodland's winning Way
With a turnover of over £75m, the Woodland International Transport Group is one of the largest independent operators
of freight forwarding and logistics services in the UK. Established in 1988, the group has enjoyed steady growth and
the company remains privately owned.
Each year, the Woodland Group takes on trainees, enabling them to gain a broad understanding of the logistics industry.
They are normally recruited straight from school, having completed GCSEs or A Levels,
and are given the opportunity to study for a bespoke qualification,
issued in partnership with the British International Freight Association (BIFA).
Scott Hutchison, age 20, joined Woodland in October 2005 after responding to an advert in a local newspaper.
He has just embarked on a secondment at Woodland's Dudley office, having been based at head office in Essex,
where he will apply what he has learnt in a new commercial environment.
Scott, what attracted you to Woodland's training scheme?
When I saw the advert I thought it looked like quite a diverse business to go into. The potential for travel appealed and I thought it would be an opportunity to work for a fast-growing, but well- established business.
What is your background?
I joined Woodland straight from sixth form, where I studied History, PE, Business Studies and General Studies at A Level.
What has been the most enjoyable part so far?
In general, gaining an understanding of all areas of the business and gaining more personal confidence as I learnt new things.
What training have you completed so far?
So far I have worked on Hazardous Awareness, Customer Services, US Imports, US Export and the Transport/ Logistics department.
Where are you currently working?
I am currently working in Dudley. This has given me the opportunity to go back to the things I worked on last year - quotes, operations, import and export, customer relations - and put my knowledge to the test in a new environment.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Adapting to new environments when you move really - thinking on your feet - getting on with what you need to do following relocation!
Where do you hope the training scheme will lead?
The qualification that I will gain at the end of it is important - hopefully this will eventually lead to a managerial role.