A different set of skills will soon be required in the logistics sector, which is undergoing a major transition as the percentage of ‘value added’ outsourcing by companies in sectors such as retailing and e-commerce is rising rapidly.

Expectations are becoming global. Whatever happened in developed countries is taking place in India too, said R Dinesh, Chairman, Logistics Sector Skill Council and CMD of TVS Logistics Services.

Skill development

The Council works with the National Skill Development Corporation to take up industry-led projects such as setting up driver training institutes.

For example, everything is going to be technology-enabled and truck drivers need to be tech savvy. Earlier, a digital skill was not required. But, now, logistics infomatix — data analytics — and ability to use data are going to be the key in the sector, he said. The focus is on upgrading and re-skilling talent within the sector for the next wave of requirement.

Earlier, companies were not willing to outsource the knowledge (information) side of their business but are now willing to do it as they see a value add. It is up to private players to use the opportunity, he added.

In the next wave, storage and transportation will be more digitally and mechanically-enabled and will be a combination of packaging and storage, he said.

Certified trainers

Council’s CEO TS Ramanujam said that in the last three years, the Council had created an ecosystem of certified trainers and assessors and has over 250 affiliated training partners operating nearly 700 centres.

Through regular interactions with the industry, logistics companies have started their own training department, which train candidates on models developed by the Council. This will ensure availability of trained manpower with experience, he said.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW