Supply chain management involves an array of activities — from procuring raw materials to delivering finished goods to the consumer, and everything in between, says Kemith Thompson, coordinator and department chair of the new supply chain management program at Atlanta Technical College.
Supply chain management focuses on planning and forecasting, purchasing, product assembly, moving, storing and keeping track of a product as it moves toward consumers, according to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals.
“This program is in response to the needs of our market,” Thompson said. “Atlanta is among the top five cities for its number of supply chain, logistical and warehousing companies. They are located here because of our international airport, interstate highway system and access to ports, and they need qualified, trained people.”
To put the infrastructure and curriculum in place, Atlanta Tech has been working with an advisory board made up of representatives from UPS, Saddle Creek Corp., Clayton State University and others.
The college will offer degree, diploma and certificate programs in supply chain management, and a degree program in procurement. In connection with the two programs, Atlanta Tech has been offering a 10-week commercial truck driver program since last summer.
“We have partnerships with a couple of carriers, and those students who take the course and pass their commercial driving licensure exam are guaranteed a job. Truck drivers can make $40,000 to $80,000 annually,” Thompson said.
The supply chain management program is designed for those who want to gain entry-level skills to pursue a career in logistics and transportation.
“Supply chain management has moved from something that a company has to do, to a way to gain a competitive edge in the market,” Thompson said.
He expects the program to attract career changers, recent high school graduates and people already working in the industry.
“Many people find warehousing or inventory-counting jobs right out of high school, but they can’t move up into supervisory positions because they don’t have the education and training,” Thompson said. “This program will prepare those workers to move into management positions.”
Students begin by taking an introduction to transportation and logistics management, followed by courses in the fundamentals of logistics and transportation, principles of management, business law, business ethics, procurement methodologies, key issues in the global integrated supply chain and core classes.
The cost for the two-year associate degree program is $4,707.
Graduates find jobs in the transportation industry and with warehousing, distribution and logistics companies.
“Growth has been slower in recent years due to the economy, but we’re in the right city to benefit from any industry growth. We expect to see sustainable growth in Atlanta,” Thompson said.
Starting salaries range from the mid-$20,000s to the $40,000’s, he said.
To learn more, call Kemith Thompson at 404-225-4521 or go to www.atlantatech.edu.
For information on the college’s commercial truck driver training program, call Mike Simpson at 404-225-4514.
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