Strenuous efforts are going on to bridge the skill gap in air cargo and logistics sector. The million-dollar question plaguing the industry presently is to set straight the existing gender disparity and develop a skilled workforce through tailored trained programmes in the sector.
Skilling in logistics
The development of logistics know-how is critical for India’s economic growth, job creation, and efficient supply chain operation. Tailored training programmes are essential for a range of logistics duties, including customs compliance and inventory management. Effective decisionmaking and collaboration necessitate problem-solving and communication abilities.
Retaining talent necessitates incentives, certification programmes, and well-defined career paths, while continuous skill development through active participation in industry operations ensures India’s competitiveness and encourages long-term development on a national and global scale.
Skilling institutions
The logistics sector acknowledges the need for more training institutions amid technological advancements. Tailored skill development is crucial for meeting evolving demands. Ongoing efforts were initiated to bridge the skill gap.
- The establishment of India’s inaugural Centre of Excellence in Logistics by Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya is intended to provide annual education to 5,000 professionals. This initiative is in line with the government’s objective of decreasing the logistics sector’s contribution to the GDP from 15-9 per cent. This institution is positioned to be instrumental in attaining this objective.
- In accordance with the National Skills Qualification Framework, Logistics Sector Skill Council has formulated National Occupational Standards, which delineate competencies specific to the industry and provide direction for training initiatives.
- The development of pertinent curricula and the provision of hands-on logistics training require collaborative initiatives between the private sector, state governments, and academic institutions.
Challenges
Implementing skill development in the logistics industry is fraught with difficulty. To attain the long-lasting advantages of skill development programmes, organisations must acknowledge them as investment rather than expenditure. Assessing the proficiency of professionals is complicated by the sector’s heterogeneous activities and the absence of standardisation in the area of skill development.
The implementation of industry-wide standards would serve to foster consistency and bolster the capacity of professionals to exhibit their proficiency. Despite the industry’s potential, there is a significant shortage of adequately skilled workers, which is worsened by a lack of training infrastructure and limited knowledge about logistics employment. Addressing these challenges is critical to developing a skilled workforce capable of propelling the logistics industry ahead.
Gender disparity
Gender disparity exists in the logistics industry because of historical underrepresentation and preconceptions, which discourage women from pursuing leadership positions. To tackle this, it is imperative that skill development programmes confront and debunk stereotypes, prioritise a range of career trajectories, and exhibit accomplished female role models. Scholarships, mentorships, and networking events are examples of endeavours that can foster inclusiveness and bolster the industry’s resilience and competitiveness by ensuring gender parity in the acquisition of skills.
Future of skilling
Skill development is vital for the logistics sector’s growth and competitiveness, necessitating specialised institutions to address disparities. Gender equality and diversity initiatives are crucial for closing gaps and fostering equal opportunities, promising a proficient workforce with industry collaboration and government support.
Apeksha Gupta
Head, Academics, Cargomen Logistics (Research Scholar)
