The Importance of SCMA for Pros with Supply Chain Training

Whatever career you’re interested in, there’s bound to be lots of training programs available. What sets some apart are the credentials that graduates can walk out of school with. The supply chain and logistics industry is no different, and a valuable asset that budding young professionals may want is membership in the Supply Chain and Management Association (SCMA).

The SCMA is the leading Canadian voice for professionals in this field, and its roots reach back almost a century. The Association boasts 7,500 members, making it the largest for supply chain management professionals in the country. It’s also Canada’s only representative on the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management. Membership of the Association is therefore crucial for graduates, all of whom are eligible to enter if they complete the Supply Chain and Logistics diploma at Anderson College. Let’s take a closer look at the background and benefits of the SCMA.

The Long History of the SCMA

The Supply Chain Management Association estimates that its members “control more than $130 billion in annual spend,” but it’s far from an overnight success story. Under various different names, the SCMA has been around since 1919 when it originally started off as a Canadian chapter of the National Association of Purchasing Agents. Decades later it became an independent Canadian association, but the SCMA has only been around in its current guise since 2013, following the amalgamation of PMAC and SCL.

The Multi-tiered SCMA Structure

The SCMA headquarters are based in Toronto, and the Association consists of the National Secretariat and the Provincial and Territorial Institutes. The Secretariat is responsible for developing strategies, including education and accreditation programs, and branding plans. The Institutes are what members would normally communicate with, as they are responsible for recruitment and roll out of programs.

Where SCMA Members Work After Supply Chain Training

Supply chain and logistics personnel are essential for the transportation of vast amounts of products between Canadian towns and cities, and much further afield. The skills developed in a supply chain training program are highly valued in many industries, and the SCMA is proud of the adaptability of its members. Some of the most prominent sectors for SCMA members include manufacturing, services, natural resources, and retail.

The SCMA Can Help You to Find Lots of Industry Jobs

The SCMA website contains a dedicated ‘Jobs’ section, which details vacancies in each Canadian province, as well as a breakdown of jobs for each type of supply chain career. Being part of an association offers many other obvious advantages, such as exposure to thousands of industry professionals. Membership of the SCMA is an instant reflection of your skillset and enthusiasm for the career, and you could potentially have the opportunity to connect with other Association members.

In addition, another important benefit of SCMA membership is the opportunity to take part in additional training. This can be done through courses and seminars, or in a member’s own time by viewing high-quality webinars. For ambitious professionals, opportunities within a supply chain and logistics career abound!

Do you want supply chain training that offers eligibility to join the SCMA?

Check out the 46-week diploma program at Anderson College.