Increasing the competence of employees from the employer’s point of view

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, logistics plays a central role in ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services. Competent logistics company professionals are crucial to the success of logistics operations. Their expertise, problem-solving ability, and knowledge contribute to efficient operations, customer satisfaction, risk mitigation, and overall company success in a rapidly changing and competitive logistics landscape.

The question may arise, where to find these competent employees? One good option is to invest in their training. In this article, we will talk a little more about the exciting training project we are currently working on at Logistika Pluss and what benefits employer can get from offering training opportunities to its employees.

In our company, one part of the overall strategy and quality policy is to develop the skills of the company’s employees and raise their awareness through the training process. How do we do it? In cooperation with PROLOG and Valga County Vocational Training Centre (Valgamaa Kutseõppekeskus), our employees had the opportunity to participate in a workplace-based vocational training program.

Getting to the program

Risto Retsnik, the manager of our logistics centers, also started his career in logistics in England as an apprentice, and his wish is to offer to his team a similar option to support their development. “As practitioners, they have very good skills, it is useful to acquire additional textbook knowledge, just to expand your horizons. We know very well how to keep the warehouse alive and functioning. With the help of new knowledge, we support continuous improvements and find new perspectives and development opportunities to offer first-class services on the market,” says Risto. That’s how we got to Valga County Vocational Training Centre, who was ready to adapt its program to suit our specifics. Employees have the opportunity to acquire a transport organizer -logistics level 4 professional certificate. Started in the spring, it is a year-long program, where a theoretical study day takes place every 2 weeks, then continuous consolidation of new knowledge in practice, and the study period ends with a vocational exam the following spring.

Increasing competence is useful

In the following, we will talk a little more about the benefits we as an employer see from such a training program and what benefits companies can get from investing in this kind of professional and specific training.

• Work efficiency

One of the main advantages is increasing the efficiency of operations within the company. Employees who complete the training gain a deep understanding of logistics processes, including customer service, IT, logistics, inventory management, e-commerce, etc. The resulting insights enable them to identify inefficiencies, make operations more efficient and reduce costs. This, in turn, helps the company increase its competitive advantage and provide exceptional customer service to its customers.

• Improving the qualifications of the workforce

As another benefit, the training program provides employees with the specific skills needed to fulfill their roles. These programs cover a variety of areas such as inventory management, inventory control, route optimization and regulatory compliance. By investing in the development of their workforce, companies create a team of qualified professionals who can effectively handle complex logistics problems. Skilled employees contribute to a smooth operation of the supply chain, minimize errors and ensure timely delivery of goods, leading to improved customer satisfaction.

• Reducing labor turnover

Employee turnover can be a significant challenge for logistics companies, leading to increased recruitment and training costs. However, employee training can help reduce this. When employees are offered opportunities for growth and development, they are more likely to feel valued and therefore more loyal to the company and their commitment increases. By offering a structured career path and ongoing skills development, it helps to foster employee loyalty and reduce turnover, thereby maintaining a stable and experienced workforce.

• Influencing the world

Vocational training is not just theory, but based on practical applications. By incorporating real-world cases and hands-on exercises, such programs allow employees to apply their knowledge to real-world logistics challenges. Thanks to this, employees are able to cope with unforeseen situations, adapt to changing market demands and find innovative solutions. The ability to respond effectively to challenges increases the overall reliability of the employer and ensures consistent service.

• Strategic alignment

Successful companies are those that can align their training initiatives with their long-term and strategic goals. The professional training program of our employees was adjusted according to our specific needs, to pay central attention to logistics. This alignment of training and strategic goals helps you stay ahead of competitors, respond to industry trends, and seize new opportunities.

We feel that such a vocational training program is an invaluable investment for us and for all other companies that want to stand out in the ever-evolving world of logistics. By equipping employees with special skills and knowledge, it is possible to increase operational efficiency, reduce employee turnover and ensure a qualified and competent workforce. The real impact of such training programs is reflected in improved supply chain management, increased customer satisfaction and the ability to navigate complex logistical challenges. Ultimately, companies that invest in training their employees position themselves for long-term success in a competitive business landscape.