28 January 2026 Students explore the world of logistics on their first DHL site visit
Participants on our DHL UK Foundation GoTeach programme were given a unique behind-the-scenes insight into the world of global logistics during their first DHL site visit. This new programme in partnership with the Foundation is designed to open young people’s eyes to the opportunities available within the logistics industry, enhance their understanding of employability skills and enable them to gain confidence in their future prospects.
Students were welcomed by DHL employees at the impressive DHL Aviation East Midlands Airport site. With the airport runway visible behind the hub, and F1 cars being processed in the warehouse during the day, it was certainly an exciting place to be. Students enthusiastically participated in a challenge where clarity of communication was required. Getting to grips with transferable workplace skills was made easier through fun and engaging tasks, with the added opportunity of exploring the site later in the day.
Following this, students jumped into a speed networking session, building on the experience gained in previous workshops and utilising their newfound confidence. Students were able to meet DHL volunteers from across the business and practice professional communication in a supportive environment.
Students were provided with essential PPE gear ready for a site tour, including DHL safety hats, reflective waistcoats and safety shoes. They then got to see the warehouse and sorting facilities, control centre and even went airside. Seeing a jumbo jet and a DHL aircraft on site brought the scale and complexity of the logistics industry to life and deepened students’ understanding of how different roles work together to keep global supply chains moving.
In the afternoon, students were presented with a logistics task to solve - how to safely move Kiburi, an 18-year-old silverback gorilla, from Tenerife to London, a 1,903-mile journey. In teams, they deliberated over the best method for transporting Kiburi, deciding between a plane, train, lorry or cargo ship, ensuring that Kiburi could travel safely. Each team was tasked with preparing their ideas and pitching them in front of DHL’s Dangerous Goods and Restricted Commodities Manager, who oversees the transport of live animals (who knew that was a job!).
With a buzz in the air, students were focused on developing their understanding of different roles across DHL, using the example of animal transport to bring things to life. The task encouraged strategic thinking, collaboration and presentation skills.
During the site visit and throughout the programme students were able to gain practical experience of the workplace and develop key skills such as communication, teamwork and resilience, supported by an experienced Talent Foundry facilitator and a team of DHL volunteers.
Students reflected positively on the impact of the visit, highlighting increased confidence and personal growth.
One student said:
“I improved my communication with other people and became more resilient talking to people I don’t normally speak to, or I just don’t know.”
Another shared:
“I got better at stepping out of my comfort zone, like standing at the front and talking.”
Others noted a greater appreciation for the industry, commenting that transporting goods “needs a lot of thinking, communication and teamwork,” and praising DHL as “a very good company that really cares for children who might not know about careers.”
Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Our partnership with the DHL UK Foundation is helping to dismantle barriers by giving young people equal access to workplaces, professionals and experiences that can shape their aspirations. We look forward to seeing what students will go on to achieve through future workshops and encounters with DHL professionals.