Private sector needs to step in to address skills dearth

Logistics companies will have to step in with in-house training programmes if they want to address the lack of skills in the industry. According to Colette Wessels, training and development manager for Imperial Logistics, the problems around the Setas, which should be driving the skills development, are well known. “Private companies must step in and form partnerships to address the skills shortages. Collaboration with training institutions and universities as well as with government is crucial,” she said. According to Wessels Imperial Logistics has taken the initiative and launched a graduate development programme that sees at least 50 graduates in the disciplines of logistics, industrial engineering, accountancy and IT placed in the company for in-house training. “We endeavour to give experience and the graduates, while spending the bulk of their time in operations, rotate through the various departments at Imperial Logistics, so that when they exit the programme they have all-round knowledge of the business.” Wessels said currently some 70 graduates were in the programme that has been linked to a bursary system, which sees Imperial Logistics allocating 25 bursaries per annum to students. According to Wessels two areas that have been identified as having severe skills shortages are artisans and truck drivers. “We have opened a state of the art workshop to address this critical need. Diesel mechanic apprenticeships are offered while we are continuously looking at programmes to train truck drivers.” Wessels said it was important for private business to join hands with learning institutions not just to upgrade skills in the logistics industry, but also to attract students and workers.