|
Jump Start -- by Mark Sproxton
A new program is beginning in Calgary high schools to help meet the demand for workers in warehousing, and the larger logistics industry.
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) is beginning a logistics program allowing students an opportunity to earn credits and look inside warehousing, transportation, and distribution, the main components of logistics.
The program will include opportunities to discuss entry-level work options, and those higher-end positions requiring post-secondary education.
The program is being piloted with input from numerous education and business partners, according to Derald Fretts, corporate partnership co-ordinator with the CBE.
"The aim of the group is to develop course content for educators to teach," he said. In the past, suitable teaching material has been unavailable to cover the needs of the industry. He believes this program will prove more than suitable and will soon spread across the province.
"The intent is to pilot the teacher resource materials," Fretts said. "I suspect it will be adequate and moved out through the rest of Alberta."
Keep your eye on future issues of nextSteps for more on this program, and more on opportunities in logistics.
While some local high school students may have the opportunity to participate in a new program that could lead to work in this industry, here's a list of other education/training opportunities, related associations, some general entry-level job tips, and some Web job boards :
Education/training
The University of Calgary offers a bachelor of commerce degree, through the Faculty of Management, with a specialization in transportation and logistics.
The U of C also has close ties to a transportation school where the focus is all transportation issues, and the Van Horne Institute which examines transportation and related regulatory affairs.
The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) offers an applied management certificate.
SAIT also offers a program to become a Parts Technician.
Chinook College offers a warehousing certificate for those looking for a bit of experience before hitting the work floor.
Grant MacEwan College offers a co-operative bachelor of applied international business and supply chain management program.
Associations/publications
Job tips
For those looking at entry-level positions in warehousing, here's a few things to keep in mind:
- you have to enjoy physical labour, shifts involve many hours of lifting
- often your performance is measured by productivity, accuracy, safety and attendance
- opportunities for advancement are readily available
- most warehouses will accept applications or résumés on-site
- reliable transportation is a must as some shifts require people to work when public transit closes for the night
- owning your own steel-toed boots and experience operating a pallet jack are beneficial
- you should be flexible to work a variety of shifts, energetic, willing to learn and willing to listen
Job boards
|
