Based on a recent report about seven in 10 workers employed in the 93,000 strong logistics industry in Singapore are unskilled. This ratio is also reasonably reflected in the demographics of the Logistics industry of neighbouring ASEAN countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

This number does not include those with qualifications not related to Logistics.

Recognising this need, the Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society with its overseas partners have launched a new programme that will provide these workers with the know-how.

The certificate of competency is targeted at workers employed in the industry or who are thinking about changing careers, and who hold 'N' and 'O' levels or equivalent.

Divided into two specialisations - Distribution Centre Operations and International Transport - the programme will also teach them about global Supply Chains and Information Technology (IT) systems. For the first time as well, Logistics simulation training using software used by some of the largest freight forwarders in the world have been incorporated into the programme to give workers actual working scenarios that will boost their performance on-the-job.

This part-time programme will be offered in 4 locations in Singapore (located in the West, East, North and Central part of the island), Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta from November 2002.

Unlike other logistics related certificate programmes, this one will allow its graduates to go on to tertiary education with some of the leading Australian Universities that offer Business and Logistics programmes.

For more information contact the Society at frontdesk@lscms.org or visit their website at http://www.lscms.org.