Real-world exposure an ongoing challenge

A global shortage of skilled supply chain professionals is placing renewed emphasis on training and staff retention, while the logistics industry is demanding a different mix of skills than it did five years ago. As technology and AI become as important as operational experience, employers are looking for professionals who can adapt to a fast-evolving workplace. According to Professor Rose Luke of the University of Johannesburg’s Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (Africa), technical expertise is no longer enough, with organisations increasingly seeking professionals who can combine data-driven decision- making with strong interpersonal and leadership skills. While soft skills have always been essential, Luke says the growing use of AI has introduced an entirely new dimension to workforce development. “There is a lot of training required around AI, including how to use it effectively, as well as the ethics and governance surrounding its use,” she says. “Data science and data analytics remain critical, but it is equally important to understand how to combine AI with real intelligence.” Sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles are also becoming central to supply chain operations, requiring professionals to develop new competencies alongside traditional logistics knowledge. As a result, Luke says training must be ongoing, current and relevant, while companies will need to do everything they can to retain skilled employees. Dr Nazmira Mohamed, programme coordinator for Boston’s BCom Supply Chain Management, BCom Management Marketing and Postgraduate Diploma in Management, says employers are increasingly seeking multi-skilled graduates who can combine traditional supply chain expertise with digital capabilities. “Businesses are looking for professionals who can manage contracts, procurement, costing and transport economics while also optimising digital systems,” she says. “Recruitment is increasingly favouring candidates with exposure to automation and data analytics.” Whether educational institutions can keep pace with these changing requirements remains an ongoing challenge. Luke believes South Africa’s tertiary institutions are producing graduates with strong foundations, but says the breadth of the logistics and supply chain profession makes it impossible to cover every workplace requirement in a single curriculum. “The field is so broad that it is not always possible to cover every aspect that may be required in the workplace,” she says. “What we hope to do is ensure that our graduates enter the workplace equipped with the ability to adapt and learn new skills quickly.” She said practical workplace exposure remained one of the biggest gaps between academic training and industry requirements. While universities have introduced a range of initiatives to give students real- world experience, industry has an equally important role to play. “Students could benefit from greater exposure to practical workplace issues through initiatives such as holiday placements and other opportunities to gain hands-on industry experience,” she said. LV