Degree course helps plug skills gap

Boston City Campus has expanded its undergraduate offering with the launch of a BCom in Supply Chain Management. The degree includes modules such as Warehouse and Inventory Management, Safety Management and Transport Economics. “These modules give students practical exposure to the core operational areas of warehousing, depots and distribution, while building competencies in inventory control, safety and risk management and cost-effective transport planning,” said Dr Nazmira Mohamed, programme coordinator at Boston City Campus. “By addressing both technical and compliance requirements, the qualification responds directly to skills gaps in the sector – from digital warehouse operations to safety awareness and transport optimisation – and equips graduates with a strong platform for supervisory and strategic roles.” According to Smangele Makhathini, academic and quality manager, there has been a marked rise in the use of technological tools such as simulations, robotics, artificial intelligence and warehouse management systems (WMS) for practical, hands-on learning. “Industry partnerships are increasingly emphasised, offering students apprenticeships and exposure to technologies such as Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems (AS/RS). “Continuous professional development through workshops and seminars has also become common practice. Institutions like ours integrate industry-relevant curricula in their logistics, supply chain and warehousing programmes to ensure learners gain up-to-date competencies aligned with industry needs.” Both Mohamed and Makhathini highlighted that one of the biggest challenges in the warehousing and depot sector is the shortage of technical skills needed to operate advanced technologies such as AS/RS, Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and WMS. “There is also limited capacity in data analytics and visualisation, while gaps in soft skills remain a concern,” said Mohamed, adding that the sector continued to grapple with difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled talent, alongside a critical need for upskilling and reskilling as automation and digital transformation accelerate. “There is also still a gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience, which hampers the readiness of graduates entering the workforce,” she said. According to Phumzile Cele, an educator at Boston City Campus, there is growing demand for expertise in fleet management, last-mile logistics optimisation, and data analytics and interpretation to support more effective decision-making in the distribution sector. They said students and professionals were increasingly seeking skills in automation, data analytics, digital supply chain management and sustainability practices. “There is also heightened demand for short courses and certifications that combine theory with practical skills,” said Mohamed. “The skills pipeline remains under pressure, but there is cautious optimism as training and partnerships gain momentum. Upskilling and reskilling initiatives, particularly in digital and technical fields, are expected to grow, with collaborations between educational institutions and industry partners proving critical in developing a workforce aligned with evolving sector demands.” LV