Future logisticians: mix does the trick

摘要

Starting with its 2003/2004 winter term the European Vocational College (Europaische Fachhochschule - EUFH) in Bruehl near Cologne (Germany) has been offering a twin-track study course in logistics management. Here Prof. Dr. Johannes Wolf, Deacon for Logistics Management at the EUFH, and Prof. Dr. Otto Jockel, Professor for Logistics and Supply Management at the EUFH, express their views on the current training situation within logistics in Germany. In contrast to the generally accepted trend, there is a growing demand for well qualified junior staff in the booming logistics industry. But what is the present state of the training situation in Germany? Is there a satisfactory selection of training opportunities available, able to fulfill the growing demand from the industry? Even forwarding specialists with long-term experience often need to catch up on expert technical knowledge, particularly in the area of state-of-the-art information technology or also in commercial management. Now that logisticians are increasingly being entrusted with management positions, a high degree of social competence has also become indispensable. Another requirement brought to light by activities in an international market also needs to be addressed: proficiency in foreign languages.