Workplace simulator creates ‘work-ready’ candidates

After over a year
of research and
development
to introduce
workplace simulators as a
training tool in the logistics
and supply chain space, Metro
Minds has completed the
first forwarding & customs
simulation programme
through accelerated training.
“We worked in conjunction
with Alto Training to
implement this very unique
offering,” said managing
director of the specialist
industry training company,
Juliette Fourie.
She told FTW that 30
candidates had been recruited
and, after attending a two-day
bridging course into the WISE
MINDS programme, they
covered 94 credits through
simulation within a five week
period.
“MetroMinds has been
researching the phenomenon
of workplace simulators in the
logistics industry for the past
12 to 18 months,
specifically
looking at
the extent
to which the
implementation
could increase
the performance
of first-time
job entrants.”
explained
Fourie.
She said that
the logistics
industry was
known for
high stresslevel
functions with “24/7”
customer service an unwritten
rule in the industry. “In the
freight forwarding industry
‘you are only as good as
your last shipment’ and so
everyone strives for the perfect
shipment. Every shipment and
order processed for a trader
(importer
or exporter)
has many
role players
and many
activities
linked to
one another.
Should the
one activity
not be
executed
correctly, it
delays the
entire process
or creates
challenges for
the cargo to move to the final
destination,” Fourie pointed
out.
Evidence collected from
first-time job entrants
indicated that over 90% of
those tested in the workplace
simulator environment would
be more productive,
make fewer
mistakes and
feel more
comfortable
and workready,
she
added.
Fourie
said the
company
offered
simulated
programmes for business,
finance, sales, forwarding,
customs and supply chain
clients.
INSERT & CAPTION
In the freight
forwarding industry
‘you are only as good
as your last shipment’
and so everyone
strives for the
perfect shipment.
– Juliette Fourie