Redington announced the launch of a Centre of Excellence in Chennai, COLTE (Centre of Logistics Training Excellence), in collaboration with the Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSC) aimed at upskilling the logistics industry workforce and addressing the growing skills gap.
COLTE was inaugurated on January 10, 2024, in Chennai as a part of Redington’s CSR initiatives, with the aim of bridging the digital divide between technology and people.
COLTE, initially set up in Chennai and later replicated in other states and cities across India, will serve as a practical learning and training academy equipped with displays, AR VR Simulators, and training facilities for best-in-class logistics and supply chain practices. The Centresof-Excellence will focus on skilling unemployed youth and upskilling/reskilling the existing workforce of the Indian logistics and supply chain sector.
Sriram Ganeshan, global chief commercial officer, Redington, said, “India’s supply chain and logistics sector is one of the largest in the world that is undergoing a transformation driven by Industry 4.0 trends. The workforce in this sector, currently at 21 million is projected to grow significantly over the next few years, creating a need for additional skilled resources across various modalities—roads, railways, ports, and aviation. COLTE, aims to address the growing demand for technically skilled personnel in the logistics industry. COLTE will be an evolving hub of innovation, research, and collaboration, empowering individuals with the skills needed for a technology-driven future. This initiative
represents our unwavering commitment to social development and our dedication to shaping a brighter future for all stakeholders. ”
Ravikant Yamarty, CEO at LSC, added, “COLTE is a testament to our shared vision of revolutionizing the logistics and supply chain sector.
The inauguration of this Center of Excellence marks the beginning of a transformative journey. We believe this initiative will not only meet the current demands of the logistics sector but will also contribute significantly to its future through cutting-edge research, education, and capacity building. It is a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence, and we are excited about the positive impact it will have on India’s logistics landscape, while there is a concentrated focus on improving the logistics sector’s efficiency and reducing the logistics costs of the Government of India through the New Logistics Policy and Gati Shakti initiatives.
COLTE, the state-of-the-art Center of Excellence, will shape the future of Supply Chain Management, with a commitment to innovation and education. COLTE offers real-time experiential learning for students, illuminating the abundant opportunities within the SCM sector. Its advanced training capabilities are facilitated by Simulation Labs featuring Truck Driving, Warehouse, and Forklift Simulators, which equip individuals with practical skills essential for success in this dynamic field. Furthermore, COLTE will actively promote collaboration between industries and academic institutions, fostering a supportive environment for capacity building and mentorship within the logistics and supply chain domain.