Training top of agenda at hi-tech cargo terminals

Air freight Hong Kong International Airport's air cargo terminals at Chek Lap Kok are colossal facilities and are at the forefront of logistics and robotic technology. But even though they were built using a minimum-human-input concept, there are many job opportunities. The airport, as a major link between the east and west corridors in world cargo trade and passenger traffic, is a 24-hour operation. With all systems go at all times, there is a multitude of essential tasks that need to be carried out, continuously and proactively. 'We are always needing staff,' said Nelson Lee, Asia Airfreight Terminal general manager for planning and services. 'The main reason is the expansion of the company because of the increased through tonnage.' There are two air cargo terminals that offer job opportunities in the complex of airport operations - SuperTerminal One, operated by Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd (Hactl), a facility that is the envy of other airports in all its dimensions, and a second full-swing air cargo terminal, operated by Asia Airfreight Terminal. SuperTerminal One is a mammoth undertaking and functions by providing an integrated automated cargo handling system which is spread over six storeys. It is billed as the largest air cargo terminal in the world and is certainly remarkable in its scale and introduction of logistics technology. Hactl general manager of personnel, Cecilia Cheung, said, 'As Hactl's operation is unique, it is not easy to recruit candidates with the required experience. The majority of people joining the company do not have cargo terminal experience. Therefore training is very important to us.' Asia Airfreight Terminal marketing manager Ang Ngah Bee said, 'AAT is quite prepared to invest in the training of non-skilled personnel to prepare them to be effective in their work in logistics and transport.' 'For junior warehouse jobs, training and job attachment may vary from one week to a couple of months,' Ms Cheung added. 'For supervisors, normal recruitment is the annual intake of fresh graduates who undergo a one-year training programme to become fully-fledged supervisors. The training programme also provides these young people with a solid foundation to move up the organisational ladder to more senior positions.' Aside from handling typical shipments, SuperTerminal One also facilitates special cargo types such as Unit Load Devices, containers that hold bundled cargo used for specific-bodied aircraft, which need constant monitoring. SuperTerminal One is further powered by specialised systems such as the automated Container Storage System (CSS), which allows cargo units and pallets to move swiftly between the system and the tarmac; and the Box Storage System (BSS) which automates the movement of bulk cargo in the terminal building without the need for human intervention. The BSS provides 10,000 storage positions for bulk cargo, a direct link with the Customs Hall and a fully automated system connecting directly with cargo release and acceptance points. Connecting the CSS and the BSS is a network of conveyor loops, computer-controlled cranes and cargo hoists all working to ferry cargo between floors and processing workstations, and ensuring that cargo is processed with the necessary reliability, security and efficiency. With such an unusual interface, recruitment tends to be specific, internal or reserved for the experienced. Mr Lee said: 'Usually, we promote from within the company to fill positions. People usually start with us from junior levels. I am not saying that there is no chance to come in at the mid or more senior level and indeed in the past we have filled vacancies by bringing in people from the outside. It depends on their qualifications and the relevant work experience.' 'Hiring preferences in this line are for personnel who have worked in the IT industry and who know the needs of end-users,' said Ms Ang. Hactl has a dedicated staff in the IT Security Office. 'For us, most IT work is performed in-house,' said Ms Cheung. 'We look for all levels when it comes to the IT workforce, from programmers to managers. Typical qualifications are relevant degrees in tertiary institutions, plus relevant experience. 'With the growing importance of the role of information security in the industry, we might consider growing our headcount in this area. The total staff strength in our Information Services Department is around 120, while the total staff strength in Hactl altogether is around 2,700,' said Ms Cheung.