Training demands a holistic approach

Training is not only about
increasing your skills base
– it demands a far more
holistic approach, says
Juliette Fourie of training
providers Metro Minds.
“First you need to create a
passion for the industry and
not just teach the individual
the small function he has to
do daily.
“Second you need to
develop a skilled worker
who is self-motivated and
whose role extends beyond
controlling shipments into
consultancy. And this
involves a combination of
technical skill, life skill,
emotional skill and business
skill – creating a well
rounded individual with
the technical knowledge
combined with a high level
of emotional intelligence.”
Equally important for an
employer is the ability to
identify future leaders in
the industry – and for this
you need a coach and more
importantly, a mentor, says
Fourie.
And it’s all about
understanding every link in
the chain.
“You can start by learning
about the core of trade and
forwarding and then choose
your specialisation – sales,
operations, finance, admin,
marketing or business
analysis. And training
providers must be able to
adapt to industry needs.”
The road to upskilling can
vary from short courses and
cluster programmes to the
full qualification in freight
forwarding and clearing.
But whatever the course, it’s
important to ensure that it’s
accredited, she says.
Metro Minds is an
accredited training
provider with the Service
Seta and Transport Seta.
“Our courses range from
customisation, soft skills,
management, finance,
sales and bridging to
learnerships,” says Fourie.
“We will soon be
accredited with the ICC as a
provider enabling us to train
and educate the industry
on the new Incoterms 2010
in line with the new ICC
regulations,” she said.