Professor Sarojni Choy presented at the FIATA World Congress in South Korea recently about workforce capacity building and in attracting, recruiting, training and retaining new generations at work.
FIATA is recognised for transformations in the industry, especially in response to the pandemic. The findings of the 2017 Horizon project “Enhancing the standing of vocational education and the occupations it serves” have relevance for FIATA’s interest and these informed Professor Choy’s presentation.
Professor Choy said there is a need to recreate and advance a freight and logistics workforce ecosystem, that renews the industry’s image and standing.
On what is considered important when young people make decisions about their choice of occupation and careers, Professor Choy says:
“Our data shows future job satisfaction; future job security and stability; personal interests and passions; future prospects including income, status and other lifestyle benefits (perks – e.g. travel), are the most important factors.”
Professor Choy said that employers need to consider strategic intentions to attract young people, including informing them about the realities of the job, designing pathways and road maps for career mobility, providing role models and noting decision making influences such as parents, teachers, peers and the media.
In terms of recruiting, employers must consider schools and educational institutions as pathways in addition to recruitment agencies, local communities, multiple media sources, professional networks and other anchor institutions.
Another key point noted was that learning at work must be taken into consideration, as young people want to be a part of a learning and knowledge sharing culture.
The final piece of the puzzle is retention. On this Professor Choy says that:
“Employers need to consider career and learning plans, recognition and reward programs, culturally appropriate guidance and mentoring, engagement opportunities, paid training, scholarship and research and development for innovation. All of these aspects aid in staff retention.”
Following the presentation, Professor Choy and the other panel members received several accolades.
