A career mapping tool to encourage a new generation of talent into the supply chain and logistics sector has been developed by Deakin University’s Centre for Supply Chain and Logistics (CSCL).
The digital map showcases more than 150 supply chain roles in 18 sectors, linking jobs to qualifications (from certificate 4 to master’s degree), years of experience, and indicative salary.
CSCL director Hermione Parsons said the map aims to show people the huge range of career opportunities available.
Parsons said: “We want people to see supply chain and logistics as an interesting profession with a great future and not just ‘fall into it’ as has been the case so often in the past.
“Recent forecasting by DHL revealed that demand for supply chain professionals may soon outstrip supply by six to one.
“Now, more than ever – with the pandemic placing unprecedented stress on a sector already experiencing unprecedented transformation – we need to break down some of the barriers to talent acquisition in the sector and that’s exactly what we hope the career map will do.”
Parsons is also co-chair of Wayfinder: Supply Chain Careers for Women, an industry sponsored initiative established to increase diversity in the supply chain sector.
She explained that recent research conducted by CSCL – funded by Wayfinder’s national partner Food Innovation Australia Ltd (FIAL) and Wayfinder sponsor companies – highlighted a lack of diversity and poor understanding of the sector as key barriers to talent acquisition.
“The sector currently has an aging and largely male workforce, and its traditionally poor image and lack of visibility presents a major challenge for recruitment,” Parsons said.
“Increasing diversity in the sector is a key focus for Wayfinder, and the career map includes embedded videos which showcase inspirational women working across many key roles at all levels in the sector.”
QUBE general manager, safety, health and sustainability Belinda Flynn is co-chair of Wayfinder and hopes the map will help breakdown the stereotypical image that supply chain careers are for men only.
Flynn said: “We know that career and education course choices are made on the basis of access to robust internet information, this digital resource provides this access.
“We believe it will be an important tool to encourage people at all stages of their career to explore the opportunities supply chain can offer and to transfer into the sector.”
FIAL managing director Mirjana Prica said effective and efficient supply chains require diversity and talent.
“Australian food and agricultural products depend on supply chains to reach their customers and markets nationally and internationally.
“The Supply Chain Career Map will highlight different roles in the sector. FIAL is delighted to be able to support this project and hopes it encourages people to consider a career in supply chain,” Prica said.
The Supply Chain Career Map can be accessed here.
