Premier Supply Chain Education Provider and Global Leader in Logistics Launch New Warehousing Certificate Program Aimed to Help with Labor Shortage and Knowledge Gaps

CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) has launched a new warehousing certificate program developed in partnership with Prologis Inc., the global leader in logistics real estate, to prepare workers to fulfill the record number of warehousing jobs available now and in the future. The Supply Chain Warehousing Certificate program provides individuals with an extensive overview of warehousing, distribution, inventory management, product storage, packaging and shipment, sustainability and more. 

The number of workers in the U.S. warehousing and storage subsector has reached record highs, with more than 1.4 million workers supporting the industry currently, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Furthermore, the transportation, warehousing and related fields — which were the second-highest jobs growth sector in the United States during the month of August — are projected to have 600,000 new openings by 2029.

"The use of e-commerce skyrocketed at the beginning of the pandemic when we went on lockdown and then kept rising even when in-person shopping was possible," said ASCM CEO Abe Eshkenazi, CSCP, CPA, CAE. "In addition, the industry has had to shift from just-in-time to just-in-case resulting in more warehouses than ever before. The skills covered in this program are essential for supply chain professionals in the warehouse and out."

"The ongoing labor shortage is creating havoc with the supply chain and in communities across the nation. This program provides jobseekers a solid foundation to begin their logistics career and gives them a competitive advantage in the job market," said Steven Hussain, vice president of workforce programs and community relations, Prologis. "This is a real-world curriculum designed with input from industry leaders. The program will help logistics companies find the talent they need to continue to grow and meet the evolving demands of the modern economy."

The ASCM Supply Chain Warehousing Certificate program is beneficial for entry- and mid-level warehousing workers but also suitable for professionals already working in sourcing, purchasing, supplier relationship management or contract management as well as individuals looking to get into the supply chain field. There are no prerequisites for the program.

Individuals who complete the 20-hour online self-paced course and pass the comprehensive 60-question final exam will receive a printable certificate along with a digital badge issued by ASCM that can be displayed on their social media profiles. Earning this certificate shows employers that this individual has the knowledge and capability to:

• Take part in the loading and shipping processes and work with common shipping documents.
• Schedule shipments and use various methods to track the shipments.
• Follow an effective order fulfillment cycle and work to improve order accuracy and efficiency.
• Use inventory management systems in warehouses and distribution centers to accurately report the quantity and value of the materials received, stored and shipped to customers.
• Categorize inventory and manage the costs associated with holding inventory.
• Manage customer returns.
• Follow environmentally sustainable work practices on the job.
• Implement a structured problem-solving process to deal with problems in warehouses or distribution centers.
• Make appropriate decisions about the use of different types of transportation carriers, understanding their characteristics and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
• Apply different performance metrics to measure the success of a facility in the warehousing and distribution industry.

This is ASCM's first certificate program developed in a public/private partnership with subject matter experts. To learn more or to sign up for the new program, visit https://www.ascm.org/warehousing.

About ASCM
The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) is the global pacesetter for resilience-building corporate transformation, industry leadership and professional development. As the largest nonprofit association for supply chain, ASCM members and worldwide alliances fuel innovation and inspire forward-looking accountability to establish dynamic, ethical and sustainable global networks. ASCM is built on a foundation of world-class APICS education, certification and career resources, which encompass the latest supply chain content, award-winning workforce development, groundbreaking standards and a diverse community of professionals who are driven to create a better world through supply chain. For more information, visit ascm.org.

About APICS Training and Certifications
APICS training and certifications, which are under the ASCM umbrella, have been a global standard in learning and professional development for more than 60 years. These highly sought-after certifications used by companies when recruiting and making hiring decisions include: 

• Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM).
• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).
• Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD).

For more information about these and other educational programs, visit ascm.org/certification.

SOURCE Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)