Logistics companies are failing to train their employees and are taking a high-risk gamble. Given the importance of logistics as a driver of the country’s competitiveness, which is critical for job creation and economic growth, there is no time to waste in identifying solutions. In order to avoid falling behind, businesses must invest in the skills of the future. 

Future-proof business strategies have to consider an organization’s complete environment. Upskilling is a long-term investment targeted at improving the knowledge, skill, and competencies that support employees’ career advancement and offer the company a competitive edge. Obstacles like tight deadlines and budget restrictions must be addressed. Budgets for training and skill development have been drastically cut in recent years, particularly as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, which has had a particularly negative impact on the logistics sector.

A Skills Shortage in SA

The country has a shortage of skilled workers, according to the most recent Sector Skills Plan (SSP) from the Transport Education Training Authority (Teta), not only because businesses are providing less training but also because the sector is using technology and automation more frequently, which is affecting many jobs at various levels. To manage customers’ operations and service delivery, the supply chain workforce requires modern skills such as digital literacy, logistics operations, and skilled people. 

Future jobs are being researched, and a growing demand for business skills is expected. Enterprise skills are transferable abilities that enable people to navigate complex job functions in a variety of industries. Digital literacy, communication, creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and financial literacy are among them.

Jobs Of The Future Will Demand 70% More Of These Types Of Skills 

It is estimated that future jobs will demand 70% more of these types of skills than jobs of the past. Skills development will have to be provided differently, through experiences, immersion, and augmented learning instead of traditional education practices. According to Juliette Fourie, Founder and MD of training service provider Metro Minds, the percentage of jobs that demand critical thinking has increased by 158%, creativity by 65%, presentation skills by 25% and teamwork by 19%. Enterprise skills are becoming just as important for job entry as technical skills, and human dependency is too strong. The top skills needed for the future are in digital literacy, emotional intelligence, creativity, and adaptability.

Companies must recognize the importance of training and invest in it in order to reclaim some of the ground lost in recent years. At the same time, businesses must keep in mind that the supply chain is becoming increasingly sophisticated, necessitating a more strategic, contextual, and systems-thinking approach. The more complex supply chain management becomes, the more important it becomes to train employees and develop a talent pipeline within the organization.

In preparation for the next decade, alignment to future skills requirements should be a priority right now and businesses not investing in training and skills development will simply find themselves obsolete, particularly in the supply chain and logistics sectors.