We will upskill our workforce to work with technologies, such as as AI, roborics and IoT so that they can optimise their usage and are prepared for future demands, say Jyotsana Saxena, Chief People Officer, India & Indian Subcontinent, DB Schenker, and Sanjay Tiwari, CEO & Co-founder, 21CC Education.
CT Bureau
Tell us about your collaboration with DB Schenker India to promote skill development?
Tiwari: Our collaboration is focused on providing workers in logistics and transportation sectors, the skills they need to thrive in their roles. We leverage our skilling platform, 21CC Skilled, to offer a range of e-learning modules covering supply chain management, warehousing and freight forwarding, among others. The courses are interactive and designed to present complex concepts in an engaging way. This collaboration allows us to tailor our training to meet specific needs of DB Schenker and help equip their workforce with the right skills to enhance productivity and optimise operations. Our goal is to make skill development impactful and improve workforce performance.
With increasing automation, how critical is it to have workers capable of operating the systems?
Saxena: Automation and advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, and IoT are only effective when they are properly operated, managed, and maintained by skilled personnel. We are upskilling our workforce to work with these technologies, ensuring our teams can optimise their usage. We are focusing on training workers in technical skills related to new systems and in problem-solving and maintenance, so they can address any challenges that arise. This proactive approach is essential for maximising potential of automation and technology in logistics.
Tiwari: As the industry adopts automation and advanced technologies, having a skilled workforce is critical than ever. These technologies, while transformative, require skilled individuals who can operate, maintain, and troubleshoot complex systems. We focus on equipping workers with necessary technical skills to understand and manage these innovations. By incorporating these technologies into our training modules, we ensure workers are prepared for the demands of the future. A workforce proficient in both traditional logistics functions and advanced technologies will be instrumental in ensuring that automation leads to increased efficiency rather than disruption.
How prepared is your workforce to adapt to the rapidly changing logistics landscape?
Saxena: We recognise the logistics industry is undergoing rapid changes, from growth of e-commerce to increasing need for sustainable practices and handling supply chain disruptions. We have implemented robust training programmes that equip our workforce with the skills necessary to adapt to these shifts. This includes training in e-commerce fulfilment, managing sustainable logistics, and ensuring resilience in the face of disruptions. Our workforce is updated with the latest industry trends and best practices to remain competitive. We encourage employees to embrace change and innovation by fostering a learning culture, which helps them stay prepared for ever-evolving logistics landscape.
How do you address skill shortages in logistics? How do you retain skilled employees in face of high turnover rates?
Saxena: To address skill shortages in logistics, we are dedicated to fostering a learning culture, enabling employees to develop and refine skillsets over time. We collaborate with platforms such as 21CC Education to deliver training that is practical and easily accessible, ensuring our workforce is equipped to meet industry demands. In addition to bridging skill gaps, we focus on retaining top talent by offering competitive compensation, clear career progression, and a supportive work environment. By regularly engaging with our employees to understand their career aspirations, we provide the tools and resources they need for growth within the company. This approach enhances employee satisfaction and reduces turnover, ensuring a skilled and loyal workforce.
How do you ensure your logistics workforce has opportunities for continuous training and tech upgradation?
Saxena: Continuous learning is embedded in corporate culture. We offer our employees a range of training resources, including in-house and external programmes. Our collaboration with platforms such as 21CC Education’s 21CC Skilled allows us to provide industry-specific training; comprehensive and accessible. We ensure our employees have regular access to leadership, soft skills development programmes and help them grow beyond technical expertise. By fostering a culture of learning and offering a variety of training opportunities, we enable our workforce to evolve with the industry.
What is the objective of your collaboration?
Saxena: The primary goal of our collaboration is to enhance the skills of our logistics workforce and enable them to handle the challenges of an evolving industry. This collaboration helps us ensure our teams are prepared for emerging trends such as automation, e-commerce growth and sustainability practices. We also plan to continue leveraging innovative training solutions to provide them with the skills they need to succeed in the long-term.
Tiwari: Our aim is to help DB Schenker build a skilled logistics workforce capable of meeting the modern logistics landscape’s demands. We aim to enhance productivity, reduce skill gaps, and empower workers to build long-term careers in the logistics sector. Our focus is on creating a global talent pool through our platform, ensuring that the workforce is well-prepared to handle the evolving challenges of the logistics industry. We also strive to integrate advanced technologies into our training modules, ensuring workers remain adaptable to future industry changes.
