Within the context of the logistics and supply chain industry, the recently published 6th State of Logistics™ Survey states, “We are not just short of people with skills, but of people with the right skills... If these skills shortages go unchecked, we just won't be able to compete. We won't be able to work effectively within organisations to ensure that functions work together seamlessly. We will not be able to work effectively across organisations to ensure that businesses collaborate for their own and the common good.” The 6th State of Logistics™ Survey can be downloaded at www.imperiallogistics.co.za/sol

“Large companies, such as Imperial Logistics have much to contribute to counter skills shortages within their sectors,” says Imperial Logistics Chief Executive Officer, Marius Swanepoel, indicating that during the 2008/2009 financial year, training programmes were rolled out to over 7 000 employees across the Group.

The Group has an award-winning track record. During 2008, the company was granted the Good Practice in Skills Development award by the Ministry of Labour. In March 2010, it won three categories at the annual SAPICS awards, with one of these being the 2009 Corporate Educator of the Year.

“This is an acknowledgement of excellence relating to the number of employees at all levels who receive training, as well as the alignment of our training initiatives with national and sectoral skills development priorities,” he adds. “We encourage all of our Imperial Logistics Learning Centre graduates to share their knowledge in a practical way, within their daily roles and responsibilities - challenging the norm if a more effective and efficient solution is needed.”

Business and people development must be aligned to effectively impact the talent pipeline for heightened corporate competitiveness. “Business cannot sustain itself without people and people cannot sustain their career growth without company investment therein. As responsible corporate citizens, it is up to us to shape industry learning curves,” concludes Swanepoel.