The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILTSA) is undertaking a ‘revitalisation and modernisation’ campaign in order to address the growing demand for qualified professionals in the logistics industry according to the Chairman Charles Dey.
“The organisation has provided a professional springboard for qualifying logisticians and supply chain managers for the past 100 years. We are looking to address the advent of disruptive technologies and global developments in the industry in order to ensure the highest levels of service while providing leading solutions in skills development in line with the needs of its corporate members,” he points out.
The business community is seriously affected by the supply chain skills gap in South Africa which is hindering logistics capabilities, as well as the country’s ability to perform more effectively economically. (University of Johannesburg 2012 Supply Chain Skills Gap Survey).
Dey says that increasingly logistics associated businesses across the country are finding it more difficult to maintain efficient and effective services allied to the delivery of goods locally and for export.
A recent break though by the organisation is that it secured funding from the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) for the training of 30 employed women and is inviting employers to enrol learners for this historic learning opportunity.
Successful learners will be awarded the International Certificate in Logistics and Transport by UK-based professional body CILT International.
This is the first time that TETA has awarded funding for a Candidacy Programme which will enable the students to apply for internationally recognised professional designations while enhancing the skills levels of their own organisations.
Executive Director of CILTSA, Catherine Larkin points out that an effective supply chain is fundamental to the success of an organisation particularly in ensuring efficiencies across trade platforms and to address the emerging needs of current and future members. “The association is calling for input from industry through a market survey it has launched,” she says.
“The benefits of deeper engagement with CILTSA are that Corporate Members will be able to shape the structure of this important professional body into the future and become master of the industry’s destiny.
“The principal objective of the survey is to assist in aligning directly to the needs of our current and future corporate members. This will enable us to develop the critical skills which leverage a competitive advantage for our members. The results of the survey will be made available to corporate members,” Larkin concludes.
