Prologis Launches Community Workforce Initiative to Address Logistics Labor Shortage

Southern California nonprofit EXP signs on as inaugural partner

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Sep 13, 2018, 08:00 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Prologis, Inc. (NYSE: PLD), the global leader in logistics real estate, today announced the launch of the Prologis Community Workforce Initiative (CWI).

CWI is an extension of Prologis' commitment to deliver superior customer service, while strengthening local communities. The company will collaborate with local workforce programs to provide mentorship, skills training and internships, as well as job placement services for those interested in pursuing careers in logistics, distribution and transportation—sectors currently experiencing a significant labor shortage.

Through CWI's partnerships, Prologis will help its customers address their labor needs and expand their talent pipelines. In addition to serving Prologis' customers, the initiative is structured to enhance local economies and help create career opportunities in the communities where Prologis does business.

EXP, a Southern California nonprofit organization that connects high school students to high-growth jobs, has signed on as Prologis' first CWI partner. Together, the two organizations have launched the "EXP Internship Program: Powered by Prologis," which will place 160 high school students from the communities surrounding the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in trade internships within the area. The students will also benefit from job skills training workshops, designed with input from Prologis, and receive career guidance from industry executives.

This initiative expands on Prologis' longstanding support of EXP's career-based educational programs. Prologis customers who have hosted EXP interns in the past include Nova Transportation Services, Franco Trucking, NFI California Cartage, Yusen Logistics, and Andeavor. The company's first internship and mentorship program under its new Community Workforce Initiative kicks off today and will cover the 2018-2019 school year. Prologis plans to expand CWI to other cities where it has significant development and operations.

"The need for workers in logistics, transportation and fulfillment has intensified, with the growth of e-commerce magnifying the issue," said Edward S. Nekritz, chief legal officer, Prologis. "By partnering with organizations like EXP and encouraging young people to pursue meaningful career paths in a high-growth industry like logistics, we believe we can make a positive impact on our customers and help local communities thrive."

"Trade, transportation and logistics have long been economic engines for Southern California," said Amy Grat, chief executive officer, EXP. "For 19 years, EXP has been connecting youth to the diverse careers that exist in these sectors, ranging from warehouse managers to marine engineers to web designers. We are delighted to partner with Prologis to connect today's youth with tomorrow's opportunities."

The logistics real estate sector is experiencing explosive growth and having a tangible impact on the global economy. There are now more than one million employees in the warehousing and storage sector, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. From 2011 onward, the sector has added an average of 40,000 new jobs a year.

About Prologis

Prologis, Inc. is the global leader in logistics real estate with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets. As of June 30, 2018, and inclusive of the DCT acquisition on August 22, 2018, the company owned or had investments in, on a wholly owned basis or through co-investment ventures, properties and development projects expected to total approximately 756 million square feet (75 million square meters) in 19 countries. Prologis leases modern distribution facilities to a diverse base of approximately 5,500 customers across two major categories: business-to-business and retail/online fulfillment.

SOURCE Prologis, Inc.