CSCMP, college consortium work to bridge the supply chain skills gap

It can be hard to find people with the specific skills you need to fill entry-level and mid-level supply chain management jobs. CSCMP is taking steps to make that task easier by participating in the LINCS (Leveraging, Integrating, Networking, Coordinating Supplies) national supply chain management education and certification program.

Funded by a US $24.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, LINCS is administered by a consortium of nine colleges and three universities, and is led by a national team from Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. CSCMP serves as the official industry partner and certifying body for LINCS.

The LINCS program consists of a set of eight supply chain management (SCM) certifications: Supply Chain Management Principles, Warehousing Operations, Transportation Operations, Customer Service Operations, Demand Planning, Manufacturing & Service Operations, Inventory Management, and Supply Management & Procurement. Participants are free to select as many certification tracks as they wish. After completing the certification tracks and earning certification(s) from CSCMP, LINCS participants will be well-prepared with the knowledge and skills they need to be more competitive in the job market.

To receive the certification, participants must pass an exam at a local testing facility. LINCS has provided study materials and courses to selected institutions to help prepare LINCS participants for the certification exams. Instructor-led courses are being offered at participating schools. These include: Broward College, Columbus State Community College, Essex County College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Harper College, Long Beach City College, San Jacinto College, St. Petersburg College, Union County College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

By providing education and certifications, LINCS will strengthen the skills of adults who are unemployed, underemployed, veterans, and workers at risk of displacement. It will also help to fill employers' demand for supply chain skills.

LINCS works with community outreach groups to ensure that target populations are made aware of the program and opportunities. In addition, LINCS will partner with employers to enhance the value of the program and its credentials. For more information, including descriptions of the track content, answers to frequently asked questions, and contact information for participating institutions, click here.