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Logical logistics

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Open Learning Group student Justin Marimuthoo (30)
Open Learning Group student Justin Marimuthoo (30)

Logistics and supply chain management is among South Africa’s scarce skills. Palesa Morei explains how you can become the vital change in worldwide business and provide a network of interconnected businesses with a supply of products and services required by customers.

In the modern world in which skills and education are vital for the world of work, distance learning provides students with an opportunity to upskill themselves and advance their careers while maintaining a job and keeping to the demands of a daily schedule.

Justin Marimuthoo (30) knew he had a passion for the logistics and supply chain industry. He enrolled with the Open Leaning Group towards a higher certificate in logistics management.

“It was financially viable for me to enrol with the Open Learning Group and go into logistics. I knew logistics is about understanding the distribution in a supply chain and the storage of goods.

“In the world of logistics, you liaise with the suppliers of raw materials, manufacturers, retailers and consumers,” explains Marimuthoo.

While studying logistics, he ventured into mining warehousing, which entails procuring mining equipment – such as filters, pulleys, fuels and oils – for mines in different parts of the country.

“I had to complete seven modules. Each module had two assignments and a compulsory exam to advance the programme. Throughout, the Open Learning Group held contact sessions.

“That was where I was able to meet other students and collaborate with them. The student support really assisted me in my studies. There is less chance of not completing the programme because of the amount of support you are given,” said Marimuthoo.

To enter a career in logistics and supply chain management, you will need to demonstrate flexibility and the willingness to try new things, while always being willing to explore new and effective ways to get the job done. Communication is vital. You should be able to speak clearly, and explain processes or problems to your clients and colleagues.

You will need to be highly organised, and able to follow and implement methods and follow processes accurately.

It’s a career in which it is paramount to pay close attention to detail. Be open to learning new techniques and skills to build your expertise.

The world of logistics requires an individual who displays analytical and problem-solving skills, because when you are dealing with freight and the shipping of products to and from each point, you will need to be in control of the flow of goods and services to deliver them efficiently to clients.

The Open Learning Group provides students with distance learning, and they can enrol throughout
the year.

Having a flexible pace of study gives the group’s students the opportunity to control when and where they study, as they are not restricted to a particular campus. It also enables students to have call centres and personalised student support on hand to enable quality learning and education.

Before enrolling, a certified matric certificate is required. You will need access to a computer with an internet connection to join online communities and interact with lecturers, tutors and fellow students on the student portal.

. The Open Learning Group is giving five candidates – who are either unemployed or recently matriculated – a fully paid bursary for its higher certificate in logistics programme.

The aim of the bursary is to equip successful candidates with essential skills to advance their careers in the professional world, with the goal of building a better life and a well-resourced country.

The closing date for bursary applications is February 15.

. To find out more about these bursaries, go to olg.co.za, or email bursary@olg.co.za

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