Posted by: CareersPortal

Supply Chain Apprenticeship

What work do Supply Chain apprentices do?

The management of supply chains is the organisation and management of the entire flow of goods or services from the initial raw components to the final delivery of the product or service to the consumer. This work is crucial to the efficient running of a wide range of companies and organisations. There are three levels of apprenticeship available in this area-

Level 7 Supply Chain Associate

Level 8 Supply Chain Specialist

Level 9 Supply Chain Manager

What skills and qualities are needed to work in the Supply Chain industry?

Supply Chain personnel should typically have strong communication skills in order to develop and maintain effective relationships with clients and key contacts in the industry. A good attention to detail and the ability to understand the global picture of the relevant supply chain is also required. Strong IT skills will also be required in order to use and understand the related software systems, databases and processes of the role. Finally, an ability to prepare reports and ongoing analyses of the supply chain are also necessary skills.

Where will I be based for my Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a combination of on-the-job training and off-the-job training with the schedule agreed between the employer, the apprentice and the provider. All three Supply Chain apprenticeships are managed and awarded by the University of Limerick. The programmes have been designed to minimise the off-the-job elements of the apprenticeships and are comprised of online classrooms and tutorials with some limited time spent on campus.

What is the Pay/Job market like?

As an apprentice, you earn while you learn. Pay for Supply Chain apprentices are agreed between the employer and the apprentice. Upon qualification, salaries can range between €30k - €75k per year depending on the level of Apprenticeship taken. Key areas in the field of Supply Chain Management in Ireland are the Pharmaceutical, MedTech, Healthcare and Technology industries. In the most recent National Skills Bulletin, Supply Chain Management has been identified as a Job in Demand.

How do I secure an Apprenticeship contract?

To become an apprentice you must first secure an employer who is willing to take you on as an Apprentice. There are several ways that you can go about finding a suitable placement. Many prospective apprentices can make use of work experience, leave a good impression and then approach the employer and ask to be taken on. Spend time on your CV and work on your interview skills and approach employers in your area.

Entry requirements for the Level 7 Supply Chain Associate apprenticeship is an NFQ Level 6 qualification in a related area while a lower qualification may be facilitated through recognition of related prior learning or experience (RPL).

Similarly for the Level 8 Supply Chain Specialist apprenticeship, an NFQ Level 7 qualification or presentation of suitable RPL, while the Level 9 Supply Chain Manager apprenticeship requires a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant area or suitable RPL for entry.