Beginning in January, you can earn entry and mid-level certifications in supply chain management at St. Petersburg College. The training is being offered through a $1.5 million federal grant the college received last year.

The certifications, to be endorsed by the national Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), will cover key aspects of supply chain management like planning and forecasting, purchasing, product assembly, storage and transportation. The training programs will include internships, apprenticeships and on-the-job training opportunities so participants get hands-on, real world experience.

“The initiative will solidify partnerships among colleges, universities and the industry, while at the same time, provide opportunities for students to access the training, skills and resources needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market,” said Greg Nenstiel, Dean of SPC’s College of Business. “Students will be able to earn stackable certifications that lead to in-demand jobs, as well as college credit.”

Businesses including manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, warehouses, healthcare providers and government agencies utilize supply chain management principles to plan, assemble, store, ship and track products from beginning to the end consumer. Successful companies rely on the skills of supply chain management professionals to ensure their products are delivered to the marketplace in a quick, efficient and cost-effective manner.

Meeting workforce needs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for supply chain talent has been rising and jobs in logistics are estimated to grow by 26 percent between 2010 and 2020.

Your career path in this field can span many functions including planning, procurement, manufacturing and logistics. Job roles include logistics assistants, warehouse and production associates, supply chain specialists and analysts, fulfillment supervisors, purchasing, fleet and transportation managers.

Certifications available at SPC will include:

• Supply Chain Management Principles
• Customer Service Operations
• Transportation Operations
• Warehousing Operations
• Demand Planning
• Inventory Management
• Manufacturing and Service Operations
• Supply Management and Procurement

Community partners

SPC also is looking for local experts in supply chain management who can:

• Serve as curriculum subject matter experts
• Become an advisory board member
• Provide internship opportunities for students
• Host educational tours of supply chain in action
• Refer prospective students to the program for training
• Employ qualified graduates

Initially slated as non-credit training, the LINCS Supply Chain Management program is funded by a Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration last year.

For information on the LINCS Program, please contact Marta Przyborowski, at 727-341-7973 or Przyborowski.marta@spcollege.edu