IMPERIAL Logistics fast tracks graduate careers

IMPERIAL Logistics’ employment of new graduates last week increased its Graduate Development Programme to just short of 100 learners. On completion of the programme, these graduates will qualify for first line or middle management level, or specialist positions.

“The programme increases management and leadership capacity, while addressing succession planning and transformation objectives,” says Colette Wessels, IMPERIAL Logistics Training and Development Manager.

She says that it gives graduate achievers, fresh from tertiary institutions “the opportunity to gain hands-on, fast tracking experience in their field of study.” Since its inception in 2008, over 160 graduates have completed the programme. It includes specialisation in Logistics, Management Accounting, Human Resources, Industrial Engineering and Information Technology. 

At least 70% of all candidates in the IMPERIAL Logistics flagship skills development programme have been from Previously Disadvantaged Groups. “Fifty-seven percent of the 2012 in-take is black females,” she says adding that in 2011, the Group registered 1,735 black learners for Learnerships, Internships and Skills Programmes, of which 15% are females.

Concluding, she says that with significant success, each graduate is allocated a senior manager within the same discipline to guide them through the process and to ensure that all practical learning requirements are met. “One of the biggest benefits for graduates is gained through formal mentorship,” says Wessels.

About IMPERIAL Logistics
IMPERIAL Logistics is a global logistics and supply chain leader that moves business and industry through innovation, inspiration and foresight. Through its established Southern African and International divisions, IMPERIAL Logistics’ service delivery comprises fundamental logistics and end-to-end supply chain management solutions to blue chip customers in almost every industry. As a preferred logistics outsource provider, IMPERIAL Logistics positions itself as an extension of its customer’s business, building its customer’s brand alongside its own. IMPERIAL Logistics Southern Africa is a multi-branded business, categorised into five key divisions, namely Transport and Warehousing, Consumer Products, Specialised Freight, Integration Services and Africa. IMPERIAL Logistics International comprises four operating units, namely Panopa Logistik, neska, IMPERIAL Reederei and Brouwer Shipping. For further information, please visit www.imperiallogistics.co.za.