Supply Chain
Addressing the Skills Gap in Supply Chain Management and Supporting Young Leaders
The landscape of supply chain management is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by technological advancements and the pressing need to bridge a widening skills gap. As businesses around the world grapple with the challenges of maintaining efficient supply chains, the focus has increasingly turned towards fostering young leaders and equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate this complex field. This comprehensive article explores the multifaceted efforts being made to address these issues and the initiatives aimed at empowering the next generation of supply chain professionals.
The Skills Gap: A Critical Challenge
The skills gap in supply chain management has become a significant concern for organizations globally. The Covid-19 pandemic further highlighted the vital role of supply chain leaders who have transitioned into strategic positions within the boardroom. Supply chain management has emerged as a crucial component of organizational success, necessitating talent that is both innovative and strategically minded.
A recent study titled 'Supply Chain Strategy in the Board Room,' conducted by Cranfield University, underscores the importance of embedding effective supply chain strategies within board agendas. Prominent figures such as Tim Cook and Mary Barra, who have robust operations and supply chain management backgrounds, exemplify the strategic value that supply chain expertise brings to leadership roles.
"During the pandemic, supply chain leaders have gained a firm seat in the boardroom as business leaders contributing to organizational visions."
Despite this, many young professionals in South Africa and beyond find themselves inadequately prepared to seize opportunities in this field. With Stats SA reporting a staggering unemployment rate of 63.2% among young South Africans, there is an urgent need for comprehensive training and development programs to bridge this gap.
Initiatives to Support Young Supply Chain Leaders
Efforts to support young leaders in supply chain management are being spearheaded by organizations such as SAPICS. Their youth development programme is designed to tackle youth unemployment in South Africa and address the skills deficit in the supply chain sector.
Through this initiative, scholars, graduates, and young professionals can join the association for a nominal fee, gaining access to a wealth of resources and opportunities. Membership benefits include free participation in SAPICS webinars, attendance at the annual SAPICS Young Professional Conference, and access to a career portal where they can upload CVs and pursue job opportunities.
The 2021 SAPICS Young Professional and Student Conference, held virtually alongside the 43rd annual SAPICS Conference, showcased discussions linked to the supply chain industry. Mentoring, recognized as a crucial element of the SAPICS Youth Programme, involves experienced mentors from the SAPICS community providing guidance to young professionals.
Transformative Learning Experiences
Emerging technologies such as gamification and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the learning experience in the supply chain field. Laurent Vigouroux notes that these tools are reshaping how skills are acquired and applied, providing dynamic and interactive training environments that engage young professionals.
The 2025 SAPICS Conference will feature Caroline Mondon, who will introduce attendees to the Demand Driven Skills Model (DDSM), a framework designed to enhance supply chain competencies. Additionally, SAPICS has partnered with sponsors to enable 20 students from institutions like Stellenbosch University and UNISA to attend the conference, further supporting their development.
Strengthening the Supply Chain Ecosystem
Beyond individual initiatives, broader efforts are being made to strengthen the supply chain ecosystem. Schneider Electric’s 2025 Go Green competition and Infrastructure SA’s preparation of 34 projects for market introduction by the end of 2026 demonstrate the commitment to fostering innovation and development within the sector.
In the business realm, entities like AutoX emphasize excellence and innovation, while VEGA Controls SA continues to provide industry-leading products after over 60 years of operation. These endeavors highlight the importance of attracting top talent and enhancing skills to maintain competitive and resilient supply chains.
Moreover, promotional efforts such as offering free research reports to subscribers and providing promotional codes aim to disseminate valuable insights and information. Magazine-and-online subscribers are entitled to one free research report, facilitating access to critical knowledge.
The Circular Economy Institute of Africa, under the leadership of CEO Yaseen Ahmid, facilitated a panel discussion on supply chain management, further emphasizing the collaborative efforts required to tackle these challenges.
As the supply chain sector continues to evolve, the focus on developing skills and supporting young leaders remains a priority. Through strategic partnerships, innovative learning approaches, and targeted initiatives, the industry is poised to address the skills gap and empower the next generation of supply chain professionals. The pursuit of excellence in supply chain management is not just an organizational imperative but a critical element in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future.