Candidates need to hit the ground running

Producing workplace- ready graduates is becoming an increasingly important priority as the logistics and supply chain sector evolves and employers seek candidates who can contribute from day one. According to Dr Nazmira Mohamed, programme coordinator for Boston’s BCom Supply Chain Management, BCom Management Marketing and Postgraduate Diploma in Management, bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world operations remains one of the biggest challenges facing higher education. “Educational institutions have to continuously review and update their curricula to ensure graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills required by industry,” she said. Mohamed added that sustainability and green logistics were becoming increasingly important, particularly as South Africa’s logistics sector responded to changing customer expectations and environmental requirements. At the same time, training is shifting towards global logistics and compliance, reflecting the realities of international trade. She said employers were increasingly looking for graduates with digital skills as logistics companies invested in warehouse automation, digital freight tracking and other technology- driven solutions. Companies are also placing greater emphasis on data interpretation, systems integration and digital tools, as automation reshapes supply chain operations. To address these changing requirements, Boston has incorporated modules such as Supply Chain Analytics, Digital Transformation of Supply Chain Operations, Global Logistics Management and Business Ethics into its curriculum. “The freight sector’s growth is being held back by skills shortages. Boston’s balanced curriculum of commerce and supply chain modules directly addresses this by producing graduates who are ready for industry,” she said. Recruitment requirements are also evolving. Mohamed said employers were experiencing shortages of experienced transport economists, procurement specialists and professionals with expertise in freight forwarding and customs clearing. Analytics and costing skills are also in high demand, while planners, transport coordinators and transport specialists remain among the hardest positions to fill. Mohamed said demand for training and skills development continued to grow, particularly across the retail and manufacturing sectors. “We are seeing particular demand from retailers for training in areas such as inventory management to help reduce stock-outs and improve operational efficiency.” While demand for training is increasing, she acknowledged that smaller companies often struggled to afford advanced digital training, despite the growing need to equip employees with new technology skills. Looking ahead, Mohamed expects training to place greater emphasis on project management, global logistics and digital technologies, while employers increasingly seek adaptable graduates capable of managing both local and international supply chain challenges. She said skills development would increasingly combine online learning with practical South African case studies to better prepare graduates for the workplace. LV