‘Interesting opportunities for graduates’

Despite the tough economic climate, interesting opportunities are presenting themselves for graduates in the shipping and logistics sectors, says Jill Morris, Durban-based director of specialist recruitment company, Lee Botti and Associates. “This has proven to be a tough year for many industries, including our clients in freight, shipping and logistics. We have seen national strikes, which have had a huge impact on the economy as a whole, and not just the mining and manufacturing sectors,” Morris said. “Along with this, the narrow escape of falling into a recession and uncertainty has not lent itself to a very positive outlook. We have seen a number of companies restructuring in efforts to cut costs, relocate divisions and try to ensure a more streamlined approach to business. This has resulted in retrenchments and attrition.” However, Morris said, there was a focus on the hiring of skilled staff with relevant experience who were able to jump in and run with the responsibilities of the job immediately. She added that credit and criminal checks were vital for the sector, along with traceable references, to ensure full screening of candidates before they were offered employment. Morris added that increasing numbers of candidates were embarking on studies in the logistics field. “As organisations keep a close eye on costs, training expenses have been affected and we have seen many companies turning to learnerships to assist graduates and school leavers with an opportunity to access the industry,” Morris said. “This is beneficial to the company and the individual, however it does not always guarantee employment. Often youngsters start out studying a BCom or similar and are then introduced to logistics, a varied and constantly changing industry that is attractive to them.” Morris added that the technological revolution on the continent also presented positive and exciting opportunities for growth and development. “Many organisations are becoming involved in contributing in this arena, which is expanding at a rate of knots. As one of gateways into Africa, South Africa has potential to play a big role in its development,” Morris said. INSERT & CAPTION There;s a focus on the hiring of skilled staff with relevant experience who are able to jump in and run with the responsibilities of the job immediately. – Jill Morris