Apprenticeship – Supply Chain Manager

Course description

Award: NFQ Level 9 Masters

The Supply Chain Management Institute in partnership with the University of Limerick have developed Ireland’s first apprenticeship with a level 9 qualification, the Master of Science in Supply Chain Operations (MSc). This course is run in conjunction with our industry partners IPICS.  The focus of a Supply Chain Manager is on the efficient and effective management of the production network of Industry 4.0. The DJEI Enterprise 2025 Report states that global value networks are resulting in the progressive disaggregation of supply chains and creating new ecosystems involving multi-dimensional partnerships between companies, suppliers, competitors and research institutes in different locations throughout the world. A Supply Chain Manager needs to be able to aggregate and manage these various physical and virtual value chains to maximise the competitiveness of the company. Stepping above procurement and scheduling, transport and logistics the Supply Chain Manager in Industry 4.0 needs to be able to manage activities across the value chain, including: headquarters, shared services/global business centres, customer contact/technical support, research and development, and geographically dispersed production.

The purpose of this course is to develop the apprentices’ knowledge and equip them to recognise and assess supply chain management with specific reference to organisational performance. They will also be in a position to evaluate and proactively influence the impact of upstream and downstream factors on supply chain performance.

Suitable for professional who:

• Are responsible for or actively engaged in organisational improvement and development through the use of supply chain management.
• Wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practical application of supply chain management and techniques.
• Wish to influence performance of upstream and downstream factors to maximise value within the organisation’s supply chain.
• Seek recognition as a supply chain expert.
• Have a degree or considerable industrial experience in the field.

Entry Requirements:

• Employers must be approved by SOLAS and commit to support the apprentice throughout the course.
• Course participants should hold a NFQ level 8 at minimum level 2.2 in a relevant area. Applicants who have completed a level 8 apprenticeship in a related field are also eligible to apply.
• Applicants with a lower qualification may also be considered provided they can prove to have considerable industrial experience as well as evidence of the ability to study at Masters Level.

Starts: Autumn and Spring.