Yogurt, shoes and frozen pies…what do all of these have in common? They all must travel from producer to consumer, and it takes trained warehouse employees to get those products where they need to be. Estrella Mountain Community College's (EMCC) Southwest Skill Center is proud to announce its new certified distribution logistics program to help provide the valley with these trained technicians.
Distribution facilities are turning to Phoenix as a regional hub and several companies have broken ground already - there will be an estimated 3,000 to 6,000 jobs created as a result. The certified distribution logistics program provides job-specific training with instruction in core logistics skills like supply chain management and inventory control, and workplace skills like problem solving, communication and teamwork. The program's first class will begin March 17, 2008 with students recruited from all over the Valley; through community and business partnerships and Maricopa Workforce Connections, a Maricopa Community College District program that connects valley businesses with workforce training and development.
With manufacturing being sent abroad more and more, the U.S. will take the lead in logistics and supply chain management expertise, according to Rick Coley, operations manager, Core-Mark. "This program gives someone the fundamental skills to succeed in a growing industry, one with a career track and a good salary," he said. Several industry partners have agreed to guarantee an interview to completers of the program, and some of the companies are even offering a hiring premium. C
ommunity members and businesses who are interested in the certified distribution logistics program should attend an information session on January 16, 2008 at 6:00 pm on the Estrella Mountain Community College campus.
For more information, please contact Kirsten Hall, program manager or community education and workforce development at 623-935-8492.