Spotlight on… Elke Wasser, Managing Partner, Logistic Training Center GmbH

CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series takes a look at the many different career aspects within the air cargo industry. Of the manifold stakeholders involved in ensuring that cargo flies from A to B safely, efficiently, and on time, those involved in training also play a crucial role. This week, Elke Wasser (EW), Managing Partner, Logistic Training Center GmbH, highlights her involvement in attracting and equipping new talent with the skills needed to become a part of an industry that is literally always on the move.

CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?

EW: I have been the managing partner of Logistic Training Centre GmbH since 2010. We train people looking to work in the air freight and logistics industry, on IHK-certified training programs. Upon training completion, we place them with future employers. The responsibility lies in not disappointing either side and on offering people in training a future.

CFG: What does a normal day look like for you? (Or is there such a thing?)

EW: No two days are the same in our business. We have to constantly adapt to the requirements of the logistics industry and employment agencies. The volatility of air freight means that companies’ personnel requirements fluctuate considerably. The changing political decisions regarding the labor market are also a major challenge. Our task is to accommodate and adapt to these fluctuations for both sides and to provide companies with the right personnel at the right time. The third challenge is to always find and assign the specialized trainers with the approved teaching qualifications.

CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?

EW: I have been working in the logistics industry since 1979. My father was an air freight pioneer and I always wanted to work in air freight. Even as a child and teenager, I found the international flair and the smell of kerosene fascinating. I was then able to fulfill my dream of entering the air freight industry in 2001.

CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?

EW: I love my job because it is extremely varied. We work with a lot of different people and agents. The challenge is to dovetail these different parties, namely air freight logistics, with the other stakeholders in the labor market. What I like best, however, is that over the last 30 years I have been able to inspire more than 1,500 people to join the air freight industry as apprentices and career changers. Many of my apprentices and trainees are now working in leading positions. I am also helping to give air freight a face in the job market. It always gives me thrill when this leads to success.

CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?

EW: I see the biggest challenge in keeping the relatively expensive and highly regulated air freight location of Germany competitive in an international comparison. Our daily work is a real challenge due to the excessive legal requirements, especially in Germany with its regulatory frenzy.

CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for?

EW: Our industry has always been open to people from other career backgrounds. So, my advice can only be: Dare to get to know this international, exciting and always varied industry. I recommend that the companies responsible also give outsiders a chance, as this can be an opportunity for both sides. Our candidates, in particular, have acquired all the necessary training and can therefore be immediately deployed. Routine then follows automatically.

CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?

EW: How we saved the world together – successful supply chains during the pandemic.

Thank you, Elke!