Only 8% of people are successful in achieving their new years resolutions. With almost half of all resolutions made focusing on self-improvement or education, external motivation is a key element in closing the skills gaps of various industries in South Africa.

While vague goal setting is blamed as one of the top inhibitors of sticking to resolutions, opportunities where peers can share the benefits of resolutions have been shown to have a positive impact on the success rate with new years resolutions.

Bragging rights

Having specific steps to follow towards achieving educational goals helped Wilhelm Dalton win the Vocational Student of the Year category at the Supply Chain Management Education Excellence Awards (SCM|EEA) in 2013. The awards, hosted by SAPICS, recognises companies and individuals dedicated to skills development in the field of supply chain management.

Dalton was able to combine his experience as qualified engineer and the principles learned during his APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) course to turn a research and development project for a large petrochemical company from almost certain failure into a roaring success.

“Participating in a process such as the SCM|EEA provides one with an opportunity to reflect on the value of applying theoretical learning in the practical workplace,” said Dalton. “It also provides an opportunity to receive peer reviews which can influence your professional development immensely.”

Skills development focus shift needed

Liezl Smith, SCM|EEA judge and SAPICS Director, says that skills gaps can not be filled through formal academic training alone. “Recognising companies and individuals that put a lot of effort into measuring the impact of training interventions is one way of shifting the focus away from just completing the training checklist.”

Employees base career decisions on more than just the cash component of a remuneration package, and an employer’s honest interest in their professional development may prove to be a way to attract and keep top talent. “Having the most skilled and experienced employees will positively impact on the bottom line of any business, making the alignment of skills development initiatives with business objectives imperative.”

Entries for the SCM|EEA 2014 is open until 14 March. For more information please visit www.scmeea.org.za