Canada’s Logistics Association Celebrates Supply Chain Excellence in Lethbridge with Supply Chain Exchange
CITT is hosting an event in Lethbridge with local partners to celebrate the industry.
CITT, Canada’s Logistics Association, in partnership with Teamworks Career Centre and Economic Development Lethbridge hosts a day of learning and graduation ceremonies in Lethbridge on October 24th, 2023 at the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge.
The “Supply Chain Exchange” event recognized and celebrated excellence in Lethbridge and Alberta – bringing together over 100 industry veterans and leaders along with emerging talent and professionals from many vertical industries such as agriculture and manufacturing whose businesses depend on smooth logistics operations.
In addition to an afternoon of supply chain-related sessions and industry panels, the event concluded with a special ceremony of the Teamworks and CITT’s supply chain employment program. “Today’s event celebrated Teamworks’ partnership with CITT and the development of a first-of-its-kind Micro-Credential in Transportation and Logistics in Canada, stated Ryan Miller, CEO of Teamwork Training, ”This micro-credential is part of workforce development program, called “Connections” in Supply Chain and has resulted in 89 unemployed Albertans finding work in the Supply Chain industry.”
This program was launched by Teamworks Career Centre in 2019 on behalf of the Government of Alberta and the Government Canada with the goal of transitioning unemployed Albertans into careers related to supply chain. Since its launch, the CITT micro-credential provided graduates with a nationally recognized industry certification and a head start towards a professional designation in supply chain.
CITT’s President and CEO, Pina Melchionna attended this industry event to specifically celebrate the success of this partnership, as well as, to bring her expertise as a panel member in the learning portion of the program. “We are extremely proud of our partnership with Teamworks in delivering the first supply chain related Micro-Credential program in Canada, continuing to highlight Lethbridge and region as a world-class area for business”, states says Melchionna,. We’re thrilled to be in Lethbridge and celebrating the amazing professionals who make up our industry here”
Since 2019, 10 sessions have been offered with 94 unemployed Albertans completing a 15-week employment program and achieving the CITT’s specialized Micro-Credential. 88% of participants achieved honours in the CITT’s national courses. The program has resulted in 89% of participant successfully finding employment in Supply Chain related positions. Today, the Lethbridge region now has the most CITT micro-credentialed individuals in Canada.
The distribution and transportation industry has over 200 businesses and 3000 employees in the Lethbridge region, and plays a vital role in the southern Alberta economy. It also has tremendous opportunity for growth. Recognizing an ever-changing need for skills upgrades, advancements and innovation in technologies, more and more employers are needed help develop the existing workforce to transition to these jobs of the future.
“I am thrilled to see this program prove to be a great way to match prospective job seekers with an industry looking for well trained and qualified employees”, expressed Logistics Manager for Meridian Manufacturing, Brad Beerling. “Participants received a wealth of knowledge and a better understanding of what exactly supply chain means in today’s world and as industry and employers”. Brad Beerling was one of the key industry leaders who initiated the ideas and design of this program.
Economic Development Lethbridge CEO, Trevor Lewington, commented on the collaboration it took to bring this Micro-Credential to fruition and to host this valuable supply chain industry learning event. “In 2018, CITT, The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and EDL hosted an industry round table to identify opportunities in the supply chain sector. Through those findings and by working local and national partners, this first of its kind program and industry professional development day is proof that when organizations work together it benefits the community in general, which is exactly what the Lethbridge, Brighter Together community brand represents.”
“The success of this employment program is an important milestone for Lethbridge and our region. One that strengthens the region’s workforce in critical industries that provide an essential business function for our economic well-being”, stated Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce CEO, Cyndi Bester. “Having a Supply Chain industry professional development event in our city is significant in helping increase the skills and knowledge of this critical industry to our region.”
CITT President and CEO, Pina Melchionna, says that this first of its kind Micro-Credential in Transportation & Logistics created better awareness on the topic. “Supply chain logistics as a discipline which has become critical to many businesses like Amazon and a key competitive differentiator in today’s marketplace. But the profession of supply chain management is still not well-understood by the general public. We’re thrilled to host the first of many industry event in this region and to continue to support the success of building a workforce for the supply chain jobs of the future.”
The Supply Chain Exchange Industry event was hosted on October 24, 2023. Teamworks’ “Connections” in Supply Chain employment program is funded to 2025. Individuals who would like more information on this new employment program can contact Teamworks Career Centre at (403) 382-3770 or find more information at www.teamworktraining.ca.