Typically, a logistics trainee is hired into a training program at a company that has complex distribution or manufacturing operations. He moves through the various departments that make up the system for moving resources from production to the end user. Typically, training programs are designed so that the trainee spends equal time in each department that makes up the logistics chain. The amount of time spent is sufficient for the trainee to grasp the key operational factors that influence the department’s cost and productivity.
Logistics is the art of coordinating the movement of resources or inventory through production and distribution systems in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Companies will frequently enroll a logistics trainee in a structured training program because they want their logistics personnel to learn the business from the ground up. Companies may believe that hiring a logistics manager over a crew of truck drivers is counterproductive because the person does not understand the actual components of the truck driving job in practice. A logistics trainee will typically rotate through departments to gain practical experience with the various job positions that make up the company’s system.
Supply chain management, information systems, and order processing are some of the departments that a logistics trainee will spend time in. He might also work in warehousing, sourcing, or logistics management. The work that is done in these areas is determined the trainee’s industry. Transportation logistics, for example, will entail different daily tasks than logistics for a company that manufactures and distributes machinery. However, the fundamental concepts would be the same, as logistics management positions are concerned with maximizing the efficiency of complex systems, regardless of the types of resources or inventory involved.
Candidates for most logistics training programs must have a bachelor’s degree. The programs are rigorous, and some companies expect a high dropout rate and do not guarantee placement at the conclusion of training. A logistics trainee can expect the same immersive experience as any management-level training program run a major national or international corporation.
The duration of a logistics training program is usually between 12 and 16 weeks. When a trainee successfully completes the program, he is frequently offered a permanent management position. A logistic trainee, for example, could advance to a position as a receiving manager or a configuration analyst. During his rotation, a trainee will usually have demonstrated some proficiency in one of the departments. The company’s needs, the trainee’s demonstrated proficiency, and his expressed interest are typically used to make the final placement decision.