The Time is Now! – Help Meet the Demand, Become a Supply Chain Professional

The supply chain is that vital pathway that links all the companies and activities and brings goods to the market – from raw materials extraction and manufacturing to the delivery of final products. Nearly every type of Canadian company is involved in the supply chain at some point, from vendors, to manufacturers, warehouses, distribution centres, transportation providers and retailers. The demand for people trained and certified in supply chain and logistics is at an all-time high in Canada and around the world. One global report estimated that demand outstripped supply by a ratio of 6:1. As companies scramble to fill a range of important roles within the industry, aspiring professionals can’t help but notice the exciting career paths that are available to them in these areas.

COVID-19 Increased the Demand for Essential Goods

With over 88% of companies in Canada having global supply chains, it’s no surprise that supply chain management and logistics is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. However, if it’s such a critical area to so many businesses, what explains the shortage of personnel to meet current needs?

One reason is the COVID-19 pandemic, which caught everyone unawares. The isolation and uncertainty of the situation, along with the need for people to stay home to curb the spread of the virus, resulted in major changes to consumer shopping behaviour, including bulk buying, curbside pickup and home delivery. The demand for essential goods skyrocketed, the rate of ecommerce more than doubled, and bulk buying, curbside pickup and home delivery became common practices overnight.

An Increase in Retirements are Creating New Jobs

Changing demographics in the sector have further exacerbated the shortage. As managers from the baby boomer generation retire, there aren’t enough people to fill the vacancies, particularly in middle management. Cost-cutting measures taken in years past, plus the introduction of automated processes, has contributed to the lack of workers today, leaving companies understaffed and unprepared and needing to devote additional resources to address today’s supply chain challenges.

A Need for Skilled and Tech-Savvy Professionals

A related issue is changing skillsets and the introduction of new technology in the sector. Workers entering the field now need more technical and analytical skills, as well as broader knowledge that cuts across more of the specializations inside the supply chain, such as procurement and manufacturing. As supply chain management rises in strategic importance inside companies, employees in these departments are expected to have a wider range of soft skills and business knowledge – digital literacy, leadership, and critical and creative thinking – alongside logistics expertise.

Join a Career on the Rise!

As the forecast for employability in this area promises to remain high for quite some time, it’s an excellent time to explore supply chain management programs and start training for careers in this dynamic and wide-ranging sector. The Supply Chain and Logistics training program at Anderson College prepares you for entry-level roles in all kinds of industries, including the public service, transportation, retail, freight forwarding, import/export – everywhere there’s a need to move goods and materials from place to place.

The 46-week program, which comprises supply chain management courses and an offsite 16-week practicum with potential employers, gives you professional competencies for sourcing, purchasing, warehousing, inventory management, and quality assurance. Upon completion of the program, you’re eligible for the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) certification, an important industry standard certificate that is recognized across Canada. You’re also eligible for membership to the Supply Chain Management Association, Canada’s largest association of supply chain professionals.

Take the “Anderson College Business Career Discovery Quiz”

With so many jobs available in supply chain and logistics, you can take your career in precisely the direction you want to. And at Anderson College, you can complete your Supply Chain and Logistics training, earn supply chain management certification and qualify for a range of exciting roles in less than a year.

Start your Supply Chain and Logistics training today and launch your career! Learn more about our program here or book a virtual appointment with our Admissions team.