New Grossmont College supply chain certificate program to prep students for vital jobs

 

EL CAJON – The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD) is launching a new program this month in the critically important field of supply chain logistics. GCCCD has partnered with business professionals across the region to develop the program. The program kicks off in the fall semester, which begins August 22.

“Our community colleges are the economic and workforce development engines of East County,” said Javier Ayala, Grossmont College’s Dean of Careers and Workforce Development. “This program is an outstanding example of how our community college district is adapting and preparing workers with the latest skills and expertise that local businesses need.”

The 18-unit certificate program in supply chain logistics will be offered for credit.

“The COVID-19 pandemic taught us the need to adapt quickly to changes in the economy,” said Chancellor Lynn Neault. “This new program in supply chain logistics will help train professionals who can help firms manage the challenges they continue to face.” 

Disruptions in the supply chain have become common when placing orders in a store or online. Companies across the economy have struggled to keep up with consumer demands. Production and shipping delays have been driven by shortages in labor caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, global cyber-attacks, fluctuations in the price of major commodities, diverging standards and regulations, tougher environmental regulations, an economic slowdown in China, and other factors.

The Economist reported in 2021 that supply chain disruptions have hit companies hard, incurring financial costs equal to 6% to 10% of annual revenues. Firms across the San Diego region and beyond need professionals who can navigate the challenges of ongoing supply chain disruptions. In our region, GCCCD is playing an important role in addressing this need.

To develop the program, Grossmont College partnered with the San Diego East County Economic Development Council to identify employers that could help the college build the program. “We looked at the demand across our region for people with expertise in this field and realized that there’s a tremendous opportunity here,” Ayala said. Beginning this fall, the program will be an official part of GCCCD’s international business curriculum.

The new certificate program will provide students with hands-on experience in global trade, supply chain coordination, risk mitigation, import-export operations, and strategic logistics management. Students who complete the program will leave with a Global Trade Operations Certificate of Achievement, and they’ll have skills they can immediately apply on the job.

For more information, go to Grossmont College’s Supply Chain Logistics Certificate page. To register for classes, visit the GCCCD registration information page.