TAFE NSW has reported strong growth in supply chain and e-commerce enrolments due to industry growth and free training offered through the NSW Government’s JobTrainer initiative.
Supply chains and e-commerce have come under renewed focus for prospective students in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In December, Australia Post reported its biggest month since its founding in 1809, with more than 52 million parcels delivered, an increase of 20 per cent on the previous December.
Simon Bolton, Head of Supply Chain and eCommerce Skills Team at TAFE NSW, says it is a good time for students to enrol given that 80 per cent of employers in the industry have reported skills shortages, and the government supporting free courses.
“We have courses starting soon in warehousing, logistics and supply chain, which are free for some NSW residents. We’re seeing interest from people of all ages and stages of life,” Simon says.
Ben Bailey, Road Linehaul Manager for SCT Logistics, says student interest in the logistics industry is unsurprising.
“It’s a fast paced, no-nonsense industry where if you are dedicated, work hard and focus on the task, you will excel,” he says. “It’s enjoyable to see the complex nature of making things work in unison with many stakeholders. We look for employees with good energy and positive attitude. Employees need to be ready to work hard, persist and meet obstacles each day.”