Program Overview

Introduction to the Supply Chain Associate Diploma

The Supply Chain Associate - Diploma is a two-year, part-time, work-based Executive Apprenticeship Diploma in Supply Chain. This program is developed in collaboration with the Supply Chain Management Institute (IPICS) and industry consortia partners. It is designed to support the development of the Supply Chain knowledge base amongst practitioners in organizations.

Program Overview

The program provides participants with a solid understanding of core supply chain activities by combining learning in the workplace with part-time blended learning through the University of Limerick. Grounded in the SCOR-DS model, this apprenticeship enables learners to identify opportunities for integration and improvement, respond to rapid shifts in demand and capacity, and optimize supply chain operations in real-time.

Program Content

The program is completed part-time over two years, with blended delivery including weekly online lectures, virtual classrooms, and work-based assignments and projects. Modules are taught during autumn, spring, and summer semesters. Participants will have a dedicated in-company apprenticeship mentor and will participate in a 'Community of Practice', Summer School, and monthly Masterclasses with industry experts.

Year 1

• Introduction to Supply Chain Management (PT3001): Focuses on models that analyze, measure, and improve supply chain processes within organizations.
• Principles of Inventory Management (MG4041): Provides an understanding of the key principles underlying inventory management in the EU and globally.
• Principles of Operational Planning (MG4051): Develops understanding of the key principles underlying operations planning in the EU and globally.
• Principles of Manufacturing Management (MG4061): Provides an understanding of the key principles underlying manufacturing management in the EU and globally.
• Case Study (MG2152): Applies knowledge and techniques gained across modules in solving key management problems identified in the case study.
• Teamwork, Change and Cultural Diversity (PT3031): Focuses on the student's understanding of the key areas of teamwork, change, and cultural diversity.
• Reflective Learning Portfolio (Supply Chain Management) (PT3013): Empowers and challenges students to engage in self-evaluation and reflection by prioritizing their learning and development needs.
• Company Project 1 (AU3033): Provides students with the opportunity to generate ideas and solve problems within their own organizations.
• Apprenticeship Personal and Professional Development Portfolio 1 (PT4023): Engages students in a community of practice, in-company mentoring, sector and industry masterclasses, summer school, and the creation of a portfolio to investigate emerging trends and identify current and future challenges.

Year 2

• Introduction to Models and Frameworks for Supply Chain Management (PT4024): Introduces students to a wide range of frameworks to inform systematic thinking on the alignment, design, implementation, and operation of supply chains.
• Forecasting and Scheduling (MG2161): Fosters an understanding of the importance of forecasting and scheduling in the operation of the supply chain.
• Supply and Demand Planning (MG2051): Explores the principles of demand management, sales and operations planning, master scheduling, and distribution planning.
• Case Study 2 (MG2002): Provides the opportunity for students to analyze a case study and communicate their learnings and work in a presentation and in written form.
• Professional Purchasing (MN2002): Develops understanding of the key principles underlying procurement and professional purchasing and the role it plays in an organization.
• Supply Chain Operations Management (PT4021): Focuses on continuous improvement techniques for improving products and processes.
• Strategic Management (MG3024): Explores strategic management tools and techniques that assist in the assessment of the internal business and external business environments.
• Transport and Logistics (MG4062): Develops understanding of the role of transport and logistics in the wider supply chain.
• Skills Portfolio (Supply Chain Operations) (MG4033): Promotes the understanding and development of a range of skills for the performance of supply chain management-related roles in contemporary organizations.
• Company Project 2 (AU3034): Enables students to research, analyze, implement, and document a company-based project which they will communicate in a presentation and in written form.
• Apprenticeship Personal and Professional Development Portfolio 2 (PT4006): Engages students in a community of practice, in-company mentoring, sector and industry masterclasses, summer school, and the creation of a portfolio to investigate emerging trends and identify current and future challenges.

Entry Requirements

• Entry is open to any applicant under 23 years of age with at least one year of work experience in any manufacturing or service organization.
• Applicants over 23 years of age should possess a pass leaving certificate or equivalent plus work experience of one year in any manufacturing or service organization.
• Applicants who have completed an NFQ Level 6 apprenticeship, in a relevant field, are also eligible to apply.
• You must have an Irish contract of employment that meets or exceeds the duration of the apprenticeship.
• Applicants must have employer support and approval to apply.
• Applicants may be required to attend an interview.

Sponsoring Company

• Company must complete an approval process with UL and SOLAS and commit to supporting the apprentice throughout the program.
• Must appoint an industry mentor within the company throughout the apprenticeship.

Fees

• Company Registration Process: No Charge
• Online Student Application Fee: €50
• Annual Student Fee: €900
• Fees are subject to change depending on the program of study and external funder's requirements.

Funding

Candidates and Companies who satisfy the eligibility criteria under Generation Apprenticeship can qualify for up to 90% funding of fees, subject to eligibility and availability. Companies can also apply for the Apprenticeship Employer Grant of €2000 per annum if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Graduate Profile

This course can lead to careers in various sectors, including:

• Medical devices
• Pharmaceutical
• Warehousing, including transport and logistics
• Electronics industry
• Public Sector

Graduates of the program have gone on to achieve significant career advancements, with one notable example being Piotr Gasior, Stores and Materials Manager at Silent Aire, who found the knowledge and experience gained throughout the apprenticeship to be highly valuable.