Meeting the demand

College adds Supply Chain Management program for Winter 2021

Meeting+the+demand

Ben Bolstrum, News Editor

Looking to lead the business industry in roles such as planning, strategic procurement, logistics management and inventory control? Look no further because the new Supply Chain Management program is the one stop shop for all things supply and demand.

Starting in winter 2021, the Supply Chain Management certificate path will give students the perfect opportunity to learn about and experience how the economy affects supply and demand.

The Supply Chain Management industry will keep workers on their feet with job opportunities in warehouses, distribution centers and offices.

“The all-new Supply Chain Management program offers students several avenues to enter or advance in this expanding, vital component of business and industry,” states Dean of Occupational Programs & Economic Development, Dr. Robert Leadley, in a college press release. “Schoolcraft College’s ongoing conversations with business and industry leaders resulted in the development of this important program that will help address a current need for qualified supply chain technicians.”

In a study published in May 2020, the global supply chain management market size was valued at $15.85 billion in 2019. From 2020 to 2027 the supply chain management (SCM) market is projected to reach $37.41 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 11.2 percent from 2020 to 2027. The study found that while SCM is in demand in large scale companies, medium and small businesses are expected to increase demand for supply chain management as well in the coming years.

Supply Chain Technicians oversee the flow of goods whether they be materials, equipment, tools or anything else from their starting location to their destination. It is the Technicians job to ensure these goods make it to their location safely in the right quantity and quality.

Schoolcraft is issuing a Skills Certificate, Certificate and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in this field. Here are the pertinent details about each selection’s topics and goals.

Skills Certificate

This option is a total 16 credits. It provides an introductory view of the total field of Supply Chain Management. Emphasis is placed on fundamental skills in business, math, communications and spreadsheets. Overall, the skills certificate aims to prepare students to obtain an entry-level position.

Certificate

This pathway consists of 32 total credits. It introduces more concentrated SCM areas such as Supply Chain Logistics and Distribution and Supply Chain Purchasing. The certificate will also increase students’ knowledge of spreadsheets, communications and statistics in the Supply Chain Management Field. Best of all, it can help advance the career of someone already in the field or prepare a student for more specialized employment upon graduation.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree

This behemoth option adds to the sum of 60 to 65 credits and prepares students or incumbent employees to become leaders. It directs both potential and existing employees toward career opportunities from design through to final distribution. In this program, students will learn how to effectively manage all activities throughout the SCM industry and will be privy to studies in specific key interconnected areas, such as supplier selection and sourcing, manufacturing, warehousing and inventory management and efficiency in material distribution. In addition, there is an internship opportunity that aims to provide real-world experience and to provide a smooth pathway to a bachelor’s program.

This program is a great opportunity for those interested in getting involved to be exactly where they need to be. To be a part of the new program you can register for winter courses now at: https://webadvisor.schoolcraft.edu/sc/WebAdvisor?TYPE=M&PID=CORE-WBMAIN&TOKENIDX=2952113

For additional information about the Supply Chain Management program, please contact the Education and Occupational Program Office at  [email protected].