Delivering products and services at the right time, to the right place, at the right cost, and at the right quantity and quality is at the heart of logistics and supply chain management.
But despite huge advances in technology that have helped automate that process as much as possible, this burgeoning industry remains reliant on one thing to ensure everything goes to plan – people.
Once considered ‘trucks and sheds’ and a low-skilled industry, logistics and supply chain management today is emerging as a highly desirable sector for employment providing an exciting high-tech career.
Northampton College is introducing a new course to meet the needs of the sector and ensure there is a ready-made pipeline of emerging talent ready to step into the roles that are so crucial to all our everyday lives.
The Level 2 course in international supply chain logistics gets under way at Booth Lane and Daventry Campus this September.
Pat Brennan-Barrett, principal of Northampton College, said:
“The logistics sector is modernising and employing new technologies to meet rising demand and supply challenges. This is increasing demand for skilled employees in electrical and mechanical engineering, IT and analytics. Every retail organisation has a supply chain, so this is an area where there are multiple opportunities for employment.
“Access to a skilled workforce, as well as appropriate employment, land and transport infrastructure, is critical to the success of the logistics sector and here at Northampton College we have a part to play in helping to produce the talent to fill these vital roles.
“This course gives young people a broad understanding of supply chain and its related sectors in logistics. The employer-endorsed content is up to date and relevant, reflecting the blend of technical, interpersonal and project skills needed by someone who is thinking about a career in this sector.”
The course is ideal for anyone who has not previously studied logistics and would like to develop the skills required for a career in the industry, while learners could progress into a variety of opportunities including roles such as transport planner, supply chain manager or port worker while apprenticeships are available in international trade and logistics.
Pat Brennan-Barrett added:
“Northamptonshire has an enviable position in terms of infrastructure and is ideally situated for logistics and supply operations, with easy access to dedicated terminals for both rail and air freight and to the M1, M6 and A14. The county is investing heavily in its telecommunications and broadband infrastructure, making it the logical choice for forward-thinking companies with a global supply chain.
“Iconic logistics companies such as Eddie Stobart, Wincanton, Keuhne Nagel, XPO Logistics, Yusen and Norbert Dentressangle all have substantial facilities in Northamptonshire, while major retailers such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s also have a significant presence, taking advantage of the excellent road and rail capabilities.
“To ensure the continued growth of this sector, and help Northamptonshire play its part in helping to rebuild our economy, we need to invest in the employees of the future – a new generation of tech-savvy pioneers who can use digital skills to further modernise the logistics industry and evolve the global supply chain.”
For more information on the course click here
