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By Mike Wackett
The global supply chain is heading for a perfect storm of rising demand, an ageing workforce, expanding skillset requirements, faculty shortages and an image problem, according to a white paper sponsored by DHL Global Forwarding.
Similar to the acute shortage of truck drivers blighting the US and Europe in particular, the gap between demand and availability of supply chain professionals is only going to get worse, states the report, with between 25% and 33% of the workforce “at or beyond retirement ...
Comment on this article
JeremyB
March 28, 2015 at 10:02 pmWhilst I agree the vast majority of this article,, I would be very interested to also explore what i see as the conundrum between 3PL’s and industry verticle supply chain perceptions.
After recently being made redundant, through no fault of my own, rather a compete turn in company strategy and why I was originally head hunted; from external growth into new markets to inwardly focusing and “fixing the issues”, I have found that even though I have, as I am told “extremely impressive accomplishments” but “not exactly ticking all the boxes my clients is after” be it retail, FMCG or other I don’t even get a start. I see this as placing a round peg in a round hole, and whilst for the individual hiring manger and organisation it is perceived as lowest risk, it also send the message that we aren’t really open to new ideas and cross pollinating innovation. Let’s face it, the vast majority of innovative supply chain ideas stem from the global 3PL’s edging for that competitive edge.
So I see that whilst the older people in the supply chain are on the way out due to age, it may, hopefully allow a mind set change that allows the industry to recognise that it is important to not have a closed mind and see other verticle a or industries as vastly different. Speaking from experience, with banking to supply chain to shipping, it really isn’t about the terminology but about ones ability to Understand their environment and the forces they need to manage that makes a successful individual… 30 years ago it was about being in the same job for 30 years, now thankfully in my opinion for the most part industry has matured and see the benefit of cross pollination.. Hence I am off too a civil engineering opportunity with some sadness I might add, as I really enjoyed the hustle and bussel of supply chain.
J
June 03, 2015 at 9:04 pmReally?
I mean, REALLY?!
I keep hearing this same old story.
With TWO supply chain diplomas and some years experience I’m finding it impossible to even get a decent entry level job (not counting shipper-receiver and warehouse labour which I’m not going to get into, thanks).
I’m only in my 30s, so not leaving because of retirement – but thinking of training for something which will get me hired AND is more interesting that moving junk from point A to point B.
If some of these industry geniuses point me to some company in Canada or US, that is willing to fill their great shortage by taking on people that are willing to learn and improve with experience, you can call me, but I’m not holding my breath.