Qualifications in the Supply Chain world

With the release of the Leaving Certificate results today, you can’t help but think of the 55,000+ students who nervously wait to find out their faith this morning. All those questions running through their mind…did I get enough points, did I pick the right course, where will I see out my next 4 years?

While engineering continues to remain high in CAO applications, careers in the supply chain field can often be one of doubt or uncertainty.

Here at CCP Recruitment, a large part of our recruitment focus is in the medical device and pharmaceutical industry. Both highly regulated industries, a new trend is starting to emerge; most of our major clients are now setting the benchmark that all permanent employees must have a minimum level 8 qualification.

So what is a level 8 qualification?
The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a system of ten levels that help us distinguish the standard of different qualifications both at a national and international level.

A level 8 qualification can fall under 2 categories:

Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree
“The Honours Bachelor Degree is normally awarded following completion of a programme of three to four years duration in a recognised higher education institution”

Level 8 Higher Diploma
“The Higher Diploma is normally awarded following completion of a programme of 1 year duration in a recognised higher education institution”

(www.nfq.ie)

Various trends in the past suggest Supply Chain positions such as: logistics specialist, inventory specialist, buyers, planners, master schedulers etc. is a career you can grow or progress into. When I am asked to recruit for jobs in Supply Chain such as purchasing, planning I can assure you that now if you are considering a career in the FDA industry it is equally important to have your level 8 qualification for a supply chain position as it is for your quality or manufacturing engineering career.

With the medical device sector employing over 24,000 people in 160 companies and generating sales in excess of €6 billion annually (IDA Ireland) my advice to those students today, is consider your options carefully and don’t stop at level 7.

Aisling Martyn

CCP Recruitment Consultant

LinkedIn: ie.linkedin.com/in/aislingmartyn

Email: aisling@ccprecruit.ie

Phone: 091 73 00 22