Supply Chain and Logistics

Contact the Qualifications Manager for this subject area:
Christine Keenan

National Progression Award in Supply Chain Operations (SCQF Level 5)

A new National Progression Award in Supply Chain Operations (SCQF level 5) was successfully validated in August 2008.  This award will enable candidates to develop knowledge and understanding of what a supply chain is; how a supply chain operates; and the roles and responsibilities of individuals within the Supply Chain.  Successful candidates may proceed directly into employment in the logistics industry and supply chain functions, with the opportunity of Modern Apprenticeships where appropriate, or continue into further or higher education where a variety of logistics related courses are available.

Freight logistics is a major industry sector in Scotland, employing around 5% of the Scottish workforce yet it is a sector which is largely invisible to most of the Scottish population. Young people, in particular, are unaware of the job and careers opportunities which the sector could hold for them. The result is that the age profile of the logistics workforce is heavily skewed towards older age groups and employers face difficulties in attracting younger people, especially school leavers, into the workforce.

The NPA in Supply Chain Operations will develop employability skills in candidates. These employability skills will be of use in the future, regardless of which career the candidate eventually chooses.  The Units within the NPA have been written so as to be fully compatible with the relevant National Occupational Standards in Warehousing and Storage and Supply Chain Management. This will facilitate progression of candidates onto SVQs. It also gives the NPA credibility with freight logistics employers.

The NPA in Supply Chain Operations is likely to be of particular interest to school pupils but would also be of interest to existing employers within the logistics sector, LGV drivers, trainees of national programmes such as get Ready for Work and Training for Work and, as mentioned above, to Colleges who could use some or all of the Units within full or part-time college programmes.

For further information regarding the NPA please contact Christine Keenan, Qualifications Manager: christine.keenan@sqa.org.uk

Arrangements Documents

National Certificates:

• For timelines refer to the NQGA Development Schedule

National Progression Awards:

• For timelines refer to the NQGA Development Schedule

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