The APC is working in a sector where diversity and inclusion has not traditionally been encouraged, particularly when it comes to ratios of men to women. Statistically, women still only account for 20% of the workforce across the UK logistics industry*. However, at The APC, we know our people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to investing and embracing a culture of inclusion and providing career opportunities to inspire our colleagues to grow and thrive, no matter what their gender.

Jonathan Smith, CEO at The APC, clearly highlights: “Women are a critical part of The APC and we are committed to fair equity and inclusion for all our employees. As a business we’ve worked hard to facilitate learning and development opportunities and create a work environment that removes barriers, and allows women to achieve their full potential within our business - unhindered by factors outside of their role. Over the years we’ve been inspired by the sheer determination and talent that so many of our female colleagues have shown and we are eager to play our part in supporting them to achieve their potential in our business”

Ahead of International Women’s Day, we caught up with some of the fantastic female employees across our business to hear what ‘Inspiring Inclusion’ means to them:

Now a Class 1 LGV driver for The APC Network, Maria originally began her career at The APC in the Transport team.

“The APC has helped me achieve my dream. My father is an LGV driver, and I’ve always wanted to follow in his footsteps. But the Warehouse to Wheels Scheme was exactly that: for the Warehouse. Or so I thought. When I told my manager I wanted to be an LGV driver, they were able to put me through the scheme and I cannot thank them enough. I’m now living my dream, delivering parcels to our Network around the UK, and following in my father's footsteps.”

Ellen Spencer joined the HR team at The APC as a graduate in 2014. Today, she is the Senior People Partner within The APC HR team.

“The APC has really invested in my development and progression. I’ve undertaken a range of training courses and was supported to complete my CIPD professional qualifications, being promoted to HR Manager in 2018. Then I had a period of maternity leave, and I half expected my career to slow down. There’s so much out there showcasing motherhood as negative to a women’s career – but I had no reason to worry. The APC’s culture of embracing inclusion and inspiring women has really supported me to work flexibly around the commitments of my young family. My career progression has just accelerated, and last year I was promoted to Senior People Partner.”

Katie McDonough joined The APC in 2007 on a two-week temporary contract for the Network Services Team. 17 years later and she is now Day Operations Manager overseeing the daytime operations of the busy sortation centre.

“My progression within The APC and the support I have received has been like nothing I could have imagined when I first walked through the doors. I’ve been supported through multiple NVQ qualifications whilst I was a part of the Network Services team, supported with a department move to the Day Operations team and my hard work has been rewarded by two quick promotions to where I am today.”

Rebecca Munday joined The APC in 2016 as a Warehouse Operative. Since then, she has worked in a variety of roles in two other departments, until she found her feet as HR Officer for Warehouse Recruitment.

“The APC has supported me in my career and my progression has been surreal. Since joining the company as a Warehouse Operative, I was first seconded to help with the Training Academy. Then, back in 2019, I was given the opportunity to support the HR team to help with a summer recruitment campaign and I’ve never looked back.  I’ve also had the opportunity to complete a L3 NVQ in HR and passed my English and Maths exams at the ripe old age of 53!  I’m extremely thankful that someone saw something in me and gave me the chance to succeed.”

Lydia Hopley joined the Network Services team in 2019. A department move and promotion later, she is now The APC’s Quality, Health, Safety & Environment Advisor.

“The support I’ve received in my progression and personal growth within The APC has been endless. I started in the Network Services team but saw an opportunity to work on my admin skills whilst continuing to help people when the H&S Administrator role became available in 2020. Two years later, I was promoted to QHS&E Advisor. Shortly after, I was offered the chance to do a L3 NVQ apprenticeship in Leadership and Management, which I’ve recently completed with a Distinction.”

References; *https://www.womenintransport.com/

For media enquiries please email apc-team@schonandco.com.