The challenges of finding, training, and retaining qualified labor have been a persistent concern for shippers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers. This issue has become even more pressing due to the surge in e-commerce and the subsequent strain on the supply chain. Recent data shows that nearly half of surveyed shippers and three-quarters of 3PL providers consider labor-related challenges as their top issue.
The e-commerce boom, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, witnessed a 32.4% increase in sales in 2020 compared to 2019. This surge in online shopping contributed to record levels of employment in the warehousing and storage sector. Currently, more than 1.4 million workers are employed in this industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Notably, September 2021 alone saw a significant increase of 16,000 jobs in warehouse and storage.
Edward S. Nekritz, Chief Legal Officer and Head of Environmental, Social, and Governance at Prologis, a company specializing in leasing modern logistics facilities, emphasized the growing need for skilled logistics workers. This need is particularly acute as warehousing and logistics operators strive to meet the demand driven by faster fulfillment and higher inventory levels.
In response to these challenges, Prologis launched its Community Workforce Initiative, aiming to train 25,000 individuals for careers in distribution, logistics, and transportation by 2025. Recognizing the need for comprehensive online warehousing training, Prologis collaborated with the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) to develop an education program tailored to warehouse workers and supply chain professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.
The ASCM Supply Chain Warehousing Certificate program was created through collaboration with warehouse customers, frontline workers, and community workforce development organizations. ASCM, a prominent nonprofit association for supply chain management with a history spanning 60 years, reviewed and refined the curriculum to ensure it addresses the needs of the broader supply chain.
Emily Bucarich, Director of Learning and Instructional Design at ASCM, emphasized the program’s goal to not only help individuals secure warehouse jobs but also to empower them to advance their careers. This is especially relevant given the numerous opportunities in the logistics and warehousing segment today.
The importance of earning a warehousing certificate has grown for newcomers to the industry. A survey conducted in September 2021 by Opportunity America revealed that between one-quarter and one-third of credentials awarded by third-party organizations, like ASCM, are earned by noncredit workforce students looking to enter new industries. These certifications bridge the gap between classroom learning and the skills required for success on the job.
Prologis is introducing this training not only to its warehouse customers but also to school districts, community colleges, and workforce investment boards. The program covers a range of topics, including loading and shipping processes, order fulfillment, inventory management, sustainable practices, problem-solving, transportation, and facility performance metrics.
Upon successfully completing the program, participants receive a digital badge that can be displayed on their LinkedIn profiles and email signatures. For APICS-certified individuals, the course offers 20 maintenance points toward their CPIM, CSCP, or CLTD designation.
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