TRAINING
Shadowing and apprenticing are available to help fill the talent gap. CREDIT: CROWLEY MARITIME
ATS has been able to bring on graduates from rigorous programs provided outside of the U.S. Germany’s DAV Bremen, for example, offers a two- to three-year advanced logistics program followed by a three-year internship that has produced exceptional candidates. However, evolving U.S.-entry requirements and Covid-19 have essentially eliminated that option, Thomassen said. Today, ATS International uses a medley of training tools, primarily provided within the organization. “We look for entry-level folks coming out of a university-level logistics program. We have an ATS academy training program that teaches all the facets of our business, starting with the basics such as Incoterms and what they mean for a cargo move. We introduce cargo operations, which is foundational to project cargo logistics. We have a two-week introductory course, 90-day structured daily training routine, and an online learning hub,” Thomassen
said. The hub is robust and includes blogs, case studies, videos and a wide range of communication tools and information. “When you get into breakbulk and project cargo, it is special. Our training is comprehensive,” Thomassen said. ATS also includes various external logistics seminars and certifications in its training mix. Most importantly, “for a few hours each day, all the new recruits shadow experienced team members,” he said. “The learning never stops in this industry.”
ON THE WATER
For thousands of years, mariners have been trained at sea. And while exceptional maritime academies now exist, the required knowledge base continues to grow, securing a place for a wide variety of complementary training methods, including seafaring apprenticeships. Century-old Dutch multipurpose vessel operator Spliethoff still finds
value in providing young people with maritime shadowing cadetships that emphasize “theory and practice.” The sneak peek at onboard work and life is an important recruitment tool – corporate videos promote cadetships at sea as a way to try on the lifestyle of a mariner for a few days before making a more permanent choice. It’s good outreach for the industry and a win for both the cadets and the employer. Ingram Barge Co., a top U.S. inland waterway tug and barge operator, is an advocate of rigorous internal training programs. Katie Cronin, Ingram’s human resources busiKatie Cronin ness partner, said to Breakbulk: Ingram Barge “As our current Company www.breakbulk.com
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