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Pathway

Supply Chain Management

The content of these Pathways have been agreed by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). These are the only apprenticeship Pathways in the Automotive, Transport & Logistics sector approved for use in Wales that are eligible for Welsh Government funding.

Learning Programme Content

The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:

  • Qualifications,
  • Essential Skills
  • On/off the job training

The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Supply Chain Management is 65 credits.

The total minimum credit Value required for the Level 5 Supply Chain Management is 83 credits.

Entry requirements

Level 3: Supply Chain Management

Employers are looking to attract applicants who have a keen interest in working in a Supply Chain role in the Logistics Sector. They must be willing to work shifts if required, as part of a team and be good timekeepers.

Employers are also interested in applicants who have basic literacy, numeracy and ICT skills on which this Foundation Apprenticeship/Apprenticeship/Higher Apprenticeship will build.

Applicants to this Apprenticeship will be a mix of age and experience. As a guide, applicants may come from a range of routes including:

  • Work or work experience
  • Training and/or experience which could include a portfolio showing what they have done
  • any of the Essential Skills or Wider Key Skills
  • Traffic Office Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Warehousing and Storage Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Driving Goods Vehicles Foundation Apprenticeship
  • International Trade and Logistics Operations Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Welsh Baccalaureate including the Retail Business Principal Learning Qualification which has a logistics content
  • Vocational or academic qualification(s)

Level 5: Supply Chain Management

None in addition to the Level 3 Apprenticeship entry conditions for the pathway.

 

Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)

Level 3: Supply Chain Management

Level 3: Supply Chain Management Qualifications

Participants must achieve the following combined qualification below.

Level 3 Diploma in Supply Chain Management
Awarding Body Qualification No. Credit Value Total Qualification Time Combined / Competence / Knowledge Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s)
EAL C00/1075/0 600/4838/4 42 420 Combined English Only

Please see Annex 1 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Level 3: Supply Chain Management Level Minimum Credit Value
Communication 2 6
Application of number 2 6
Digital literacy 2 6

On/Off the Job training

Pathway Minimum On the Job Training Hours Minimum Off the Job Training Hours
Level 3: Supply Chain Management 181 317
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

42 credits for competence and knowledge - Level 3 Diploma in Supply Chain Management.

The total amount of learning hours with includes both on and off-the-job training for the Supply Chain Management Apprenticeship is 498.

The minimum pathway duration time for completion is 12 months.

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

6 credits/55 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication

6 credits/55 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number

6 credits/55 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy

Level 5: Supply Chain Management

Level 5: Supply Chain Management Qualifications

Participants must achieve the following combined qualification below.

Level 5 Diploma in Supply Chain Management
Awarding Body Qualification No. Credit Value Total Qualification Time Combined / Competence / Knowledge Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s)
EAL C00/0440/9 600/4839/6 100 1000 Combined English Only

Please see Annex 2 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Level 5: Supply Chain Management Level Minimum Credit Value
Communication 2 6
Application of number 2 6
Digital literacy 2 6

On/Off the Job training

Pathway Minimum On the Job Training Hours Minimum Off the Job Training Hours
Level 5: Supply Chain Management 253 405
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

25 credits for competence and knowledge -Level 5 Diploma in Supply Chain Management.

The total amount of learning hours with includes both on and off-the-job training for the Supply Chain Management Higher Apprenticeship is 658.

The minimum pathway duration time for completion is 24 months.

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

6 credits/55 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication

6 credits/55 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number

6 credits/55 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy

Other additional requirements

None

Progression

Progression from the Level 3 Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship/Higher Apprenticeships in any of the following:

  • Management Higher Apprenticeship
  • Supply Chain Management Higher Apprenticeship

Into a job as a Supply Chain Specialist or with further development and training in-house/external development programme (CPD) accredited/non accredited into the following jobs:

  • Supply Chain Analyst

 Progression from the Level 5 Apprenticeship

After further training and development for those who choose to do so: 

  • Foundation degree in logistics, transport planning, logistics operations and administration
  • Higher Education programmes such as Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Business and Management

Equality and diversity

It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.

The Protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.

Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics.

The Logistics Sector workforce is predominantly white male and despite progress in recent years, females, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups and people with a learning difficulty or disability are not being attracted to the industry and the ageing workforce means that more people are required to fill a range of logistics roles.

Logistics is seen as a job for males and this perception is being challenged in a number of ways, such as:

Awareness of Logistics as a profession is being raised through the Welsh Baccalaureate Principal Learning Qualification in Retail Business, which has logistics content and through promotional leaflets aimed at 14 – 19 year olds in schools. Amongst these leaflets is “Getting more girls into Logistics and Retail” which will help to promote the range of jobs in logistics.

Another initiative which aims to attract applicants from a diverse population is:

  • https://careerready.org.u k/programme/think-logistics

Apprenticeships are seen as a vital route to encourage, and facilitate, a greater diversity of individuals into the Logistics Sector and action plans are in place to increase the number of apprenticeships by a minimum of 10% each year.

Actions to widen participation and increase diversity in the Logistics workforce include:

  • Flexible entry conditions for this pathway to attract a wide range of applicants.
  • Incorporating guidance on initial assessment to ensure the pathway does not discriminate against applicants to this pathway.
  • Links with Jobcentre Plus, promoting logistics as a career path.
  • Promoting logistics content in the curriculum through the Chartered Institute for Logistics and Transport (CILTUK).
  • Developing an entry to employment programme aimed at difficult to reach groups.
  • Raising the profile of Logistics at careers events.

The industry expects providers and employers to abide by the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to and promotion.

Employment responsibilities and rights

Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory.  But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18 year group) receive a company induction programme.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the Training Provider / Employer to ensure that the requirements of this Pathway are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government  Apprenticeships Guidance.

 Further information may be obtained from: Welsh Government

 

DfES-ApprenticeshipUnit@gov.wales

 

Annex 1 Level 3: Supply Chain Management

Relationship between competence and knowledge qualifications

The Diploma in Supply Chain Management Level 3 is a combined qualification incorporating competence and knowledge, which are separately assessed. Providers MUST ensure that Apprentices achieve at least 10 credits for competence and at least 10 credits for knowledge when selecting units to meet the requirements of the SASW.

This Pathway totals 65 credits which includes competence, knowledge, the ERR Award, Essential Communication Skills, Essential Application of Number Skills and Essential Digital Literacy Skills. This pathway exceeds the minimum of 37 credits set by the SASW.

The total credits for this combined qualification is 42 credits made up as follows:

Mandatory Units

Develop productive working relationships with colleagues in logistics operations (1 credit for competence and 1 credit for knowledge) Make and effective contribution to a business in the logistics sector (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)

Optional Unit Group 1 (a minimum of four units must be achieved from this group)

  • Ensure compliance with Legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements in logistics operations ( 1 credit for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Ensure an effective organisational approach to health, safety and security in supply chain management or a logistics operation (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Apply improvements to the supply chain (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Plan the workforce in supply chain management or a logistics operation (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Respond to problems in logistics operations (1 credit for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Manage risk in supply chain management or a logistics operation (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Encourage innovation in supply chain management or a logistics operation (3 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Implement change in supply chain management or a logistics operation (4 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)

Optional Unit Group 2 (a minimum of two units must be achieved from this group)

  • Schedule logistics operations to meet customer requirements (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Arrange the transportation of goods using multiple transport modes (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Control supplies at storage locations and facilities ( 2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Plan change in supply chain management or a logistics operation (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Select suppliers in the supply chain or a logistics operation (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Procure supplies or services in the supply chain or a logistics operation (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)

Optional Unit Group 3 (a minimum of two units must be achieved in this group)

  • Manage a budget in supply chain management or logistics operation (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Manage contracts in supply chain management or logistics operation (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Manage finance in own area of responsibility on supply chain management or a logistics operation (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Manage business processes in the supply chain or a logistics operation (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Manage a project in supply chain management or a logistics operation (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)

Optional Unit Group 4 (a minimum of two units must be achieved from this group)

  • Optimise the use of logistics resources ( 2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Minimise the environmental impact of logistics operations (1 credit for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Map the logistics environment in which own organisation operates (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Build own organisations understanding of its markets and customers in supply chain management or logistics operation ( 3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)

Optional Unit Group 5 (a minimum of two units must be achieved from this group)

  • Provide leadership for your team in logistics operations ( 2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Provide leadership in own area of responsibility in supply chain management or logistics operation (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Recruit, select and keep colleagues in logistics operations (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Build and manage teams in logistics operations (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Help team members address problems affecting their performance in logistics operations (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Manage own professional development on logistics operations (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Establish strategic relationships within the supply chain (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)

Annex 2 Level 5: Supply Chain Management

Relationship between competence and knowledge qualifications

The Diploma in Supply Chain Management Level 5 is a combined qualification incorporating competence and knowledge, which are separately assessed. Providers MUST ensure that Apprentices achieve at least 10 credits for competence and at least 10 credits for knowledge when selecting units to meet the requirements of the SASW.

This Pathway totals 83 credits which includes competence, knowledge, the ERR Award, Essential Communication Skills, Essential Application of Number Skills and Essential Digital Literacy Skills. This pathway exceeds the minimum of 37 credits set by the SASW.

The total Credits for this combined qualification is 60 credits made up as follows:

Mandatory Units

  • Provide leadership in supply chain management or a logistics operation ( 2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Ensure an effective organisational approach to health, safety and security in supply chain management or a logistics operation (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Ensure compliance with legal, ethical and social requirements in logistics operations (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Develop productive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders in supply chain management or a logistics operation (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)

Optional Unit Group 1 (a minimum of three units must be achieved from this group)

  • Develop a strategic business plan in supply chain management or a logistics operation ( 3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Implement a strategic business plan in supply chain management or a logistics operation (3 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Plan change in supply chain management or a logistics operation (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Implement change in supply chain management or a logistics operation (4 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Analyse information on the supply chain (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Develop and implement operational plans in supply chain management or a logistics operation (3 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)

Optional Unit Group 2 (a minimum of two units must be achieved from this group)

  • Manage business processes in supply chain management or a logistics operation (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Manage a programme in supply chain management or a logistics operation (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Manage finance for supply chain management or logistics operation (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Manage finance for own area of responsibility in supply chain management or a logistics operation (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)

Optional Unit Group 3 (a minimum of three units must be achieved from this group)

  • Build own organisations understanding of its markets and customers in supply chain management or a logistics operation (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Map the logistics environment in which own organisation operates (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Develop the culture of own organisation in the supply chain or a logistics operation (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Encourage innovation in supply chain management or a logistics operation ( 3 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Establish strategic relationships within the supply chain (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)
  • Minimise the environmental impact of logistics operations (1 credit for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Manage risk in supply chain management or a logistics operation (3 credits for competence and 3 for knowledge)

Optional Unit Group 4 (a minimum of two units must be achieved from this group)

  • Plan the workforce in supply chain management or a logistics operation (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Recruit, select and keep colleagues in logistics operations (2 credits for competence and 2 for knowledge)
  • Help team members address problems affecting their performance in logistics operations (2 credits for competence and 1 for knowledge)
  • Manage your own professional development in logistics operations (1 credit for competence and 1 for knowledge)

Document revisions

22 November 2021