Warning of a "workforce crisis", Freight Council hopes new careers website will attract new blood to transport and logistics
June 14, 2011
The South Australian Freight Council is banking on a revamped careers website to address what it claims is a “workforce crisis” affecting the transport and logistics industry.
Speaking at the launch of the updated Logistics Information and Navigation Centre (LINC) website, the Freight Council says the industry is facing a number of shortages in key areas.
The site, which has the backing of government and industry, is filled with information on the industry and contains an interactive career pathways tool to promote the different roles available in transport and logistics.
“We need more truck and train drivers, warehouse staff and people to work in the shipping and aviation sectors, as well as freight forwarders, custom brokers and other people servicing to industry,” SAFC Chairman John McArdle says.
“This pending workforce crisis is one of the most significant issues affecting the Australian transport and logistics industry.”
With transport and logistics contributing almost 14.5 percent to GDP and employing more than 1.2 million people, McArdle says unless the industry improves its attraction and retention rates “Australia might as well shut its doors and turn out the lights”.
“Our current industry age profile is heavily skewed towards people nearing retirement and we suffer somewhat of an identity crisis with the general community viewing careers within the industry in a negative light,” he says.
“If we as an industry are serious about tackling this jobs crisis, we need to change that perception and change it fast.”
McArdle says the site provides a genuine one-stop-shop for people looking to break into the industry.
The SAFC developed the site, which is supported by the Victorian Freight and Logistics Council, the NSW Department of Transport and the Tasmanian Freight Council.
The Council says the major aim of the redevelopment was to improve the sites useability and appeal to a broad section of the workforce.
Click here to access the website.