Kerry Logistics sets demanding standards for its management trainees and wants only passionate and committed individuals
The competition to get into the management training programme at Kerry Logistics is fierce. The company selects a mere six to 10 individuals for the programme, which is in its eighth year, from more than 1,000 applicants a year.
The 13-month programme aims to familiarise trainees with the operations of the company. It provides them with the opportunity to rotate in two of the three main operations, which are freight, distribution and logistics.
Moreover, trainees have the chance to work in different support functions, including human resources, accounting and information technology. They are also exposed to the trading and merchandising sides of the business. 'After completion of the programme, trainees will have the chance to become assistant managers and managers and proceed to work at the executive level,' said Ivy Wong, director of human resources and administration. 'They might take up international, local or global positions.'
About 80 per cent of the trainees complete the programme. 'We try to find people who are really interested in working in logistics,' Ms Wong said. 'We invest in them and hope they will eventually work at our company after the training.'
Although priority is given to logistics graduates, the company welcomes university graduates from any discipline with a passion and commitment to work in the industry. 'When we do the interviews, we try to choose people who are able to multitask,' Ms Wong said. 'A foundation in logistics, knowledge of local and global logistics, and good language skills in Cantonese, Putonghua and English are also expected.'
Applicants have to pass four stages to enter the programme. The first stage consists of a group presentation to test the communication skills of the candidates. They then have to complete a language test followed by an individual interview. The final stage is a session where candidates have the chance to meet managers from different functions and departments.