Prologis Inc., a San Francisco-based global leader in logistics real estate, recently partnered with the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) to create a new industry certificate that aims to help develop the next generation of talent for the logistics industry.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, warehouse employment reached the highest level ever recorded with 1.25 million workers in 2020, and the transportation, warehousing and related fields are projected to have 600,000 new openings by 2029.

“The need for skilled logistics workers has never been greater, particularly as warehousing and logistics operators strive to meet demand driven by faster fulfillment and higher inventory levels,” explains Prologis Chief Legal Officer and ESG head Edward S. Nekritz.

Adds ASCM Foundation Vice President Dan Schoenfeld: “There was a skills gap in the supply chain way before COVID-19 was even part of the lexicon. Now the pandemic has further exacerbated the need for upskilling to an unprecedented level. This partnership with Prologis aligns perfectly with our foundation’s mission of creating a better world through the supply chain by attracting more people to the field and preparing them for rewarding career opportunities.”

 As part of the digital learning and development program, which is expected to launch in the third quarter of this year, students will acquire foundational skills, gain an understanding of the logistics sector and, after successfully passing an exam, receive completion certificates, digital badges and credentials for their resumes.

The online courses were developed in collaboration with several Prologis customers including NFI and Geodis. Through its global Community Workforce Initiative (CWI), Prologis has pledged to train 25,000 individuals for jobs in transportation, distribution and logistics by the end of 2025.