St. Lawrence College Holding Info Session for New Supply Chain Sector and Logistics Program

Join the fastest growing section of Eastern Ontario’s economy – the Supply Chain Sector!

Companies like Walmart, Target, Shoppers Drug Mart and the Benson Group are investing in Cornwall, and need qualified individuals to help them grow. You can learn the skills you need to succeed in this exciting sector and the first step is to attend an information session this Friday November 23rd at the Cornwall Campus of St. Lawrence College.

St. Lawrence College has designed a new 18 week program to introduce students to all aspects of the supply chain and logistics sector, both theoretical and practical. The program starts January 7, 2013 at the Cornwall Campus and is aimed at training students for entry level positions in the supply chain and logistics field.

The program has been developed with the assistance of key private sector partners in the supply chain and logistics industry. Students will be taught the very latest techniques in the following areas:

· Supply chain management
· Purchasing and supplier management
· Logistics technology tools and resources
· Information technology systems
· Warehousing and transportation
· Material handling
· Safety procedures for warehouse operations
· Business communication
· Problem-solving and critical-thinking

Theoretical concepts discussed in the classroom will be further explained and developed during the three week field placement component. Students will be placed at approved business within Eastern Ontario.

“There is nothing like practical hands-on learning especially when it takes place in the real world,” said William Tennant, Program Co-ordinator for St. Lawrence College. “Students get to see first-hand what the professionals are dealing with – the documents, the people, the product and the problem solving.”

A typical placement would see a student rotate through 3 job functions—Shipping, Receiving and Warehousing. The student would work beside existing staff as if a new hire. They would be expected to dress and work under the same conditions as the employees.

“There is a possibility that placements may lead to job offers as the employers get to see the students interact with existing employees,” notes Mr. Tennant. “This is a ‘free look’ for both the employer and the potential employee – the employer gets a chance to see the student’s capabilities, and the student gets to evaluate the workplace.”

If an opening is not available at the placement location, the experience and employer’s endorsement is a valuable asset to help the student as he or she pursues other job opportunities.

Information Session Details
The information session takes place Friday, November 23 at 12:30 pm at St. Lawrence College, Cornwall campus, Room M3530. The session is open to the public.

“We recognize the importance of the supply chain management sector in Eastern Ontario. As we continue to develop and align training and education with workforce demand, we will maintain our commitment to providing ‘ready now’ people: that’s people with exactly the right skills that an employer is looking for at the right time,” said Charlie Mignault, Director of Business Development, Corporate Learning and Performance Improvement at St. Lawrence College. “As we expand this important mandate in Cornwall we will act as an engine for regional economic development and provide key organizations with skilled people that will help their companies grow and prosper in the future.”

About the Supply Chain Sector
The supply chain is one of the most essential sectors of the Canadian economy, involving about 767,000 workers from a range of occupations and industries. The success of this sector in meeting its human resources and labour-market challenges has the potential to positively influence the future of Canada, and the quality of life that we all enjoy. – Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council