An Oxford man who is encouraging people to consider a career in logistics has told the story of how he turned his second job into his career.

Tom Dedman, 28, first trained as a sports therapist and began his career working part-time with professional football team Stevenage Town.

Today, he serves as an ambassador for Generation Logistics, a campaign helping raise awareness about careers in logistics.

It is an industry led, government-backed initiative to increase industry awareness and find the next generation of logistics industry talent.

Looking for extra income, he took on a second role as a warehouse operative at logistics firm GXO.

After one year in the position, he recognised the career prospects offered by the sector and enrolled in the GXO Graduate Scheme.

Through this, he gained experience across several aspects of logistics, from procurement to operations management, and also achieved certifications.

When asked about advice for individuals considering a career change, he said: "Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

"The logistics industry offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development, regardless of your background or skill set.

"I wasn’t aware of the many roles that were available within the sector, and I really encourage anybody who is looking for a career that offers high salaries, training and progression, and a strong work-life balance, to seriously consider the logistics sector."

Nine in 10 people have never considered logistics as a potential profession.

The ongoing aim of Generation Logistics is to transform this mindset and reach more potential candidates.

Bethany Windsor, programme director at Generation Logistics, said: "As Tom continues to excel in his role, he serves as a role model for others considering career transitions.

"His story highlights the importance of embracing change and seizing opportunities for growth, no matter what the journey, background or skill set may be.

"The logistics sector offers such a huge range of opportunities, such as customer support, inventory management, engineering, digital tech - the list goes on.

"Each role carries a diverse set of responsibilities and offers a career path that supports different skills and interests. This diversity makes logistics an ideal option for those seeking a fulfilling and evolving profession.”

Those who are working in education who want to shine a light on the opportunities within logistics to pupils are encouraged by the campaign to visit its education hub.

Offering a dedicated, downloadable, resource library of KS3 to KS5 curriculum-relevant material for teachers and career advisors, the hub provides lesson plans and student-ready tools for educators, focused on the Generation Logistics Careers Booklet.