Logistics degree with guaranteed job sees more industry interest
Retailers now backing the scheme can be seen above
Tue, 06 May 2014 15:10:00 BST
Applicants can now opt for two degree routes...
– BSc (Hons) in Logistics with Supply Chain Management and the new BA (Hons) in Business with Supply Chain Management
THE need to ensure a supply of fresh talent in the important and demanding field of supply chain management has led some of the UK’s best-known retail companies to support an innovative University of Huddersfield degree programme. Through the NOVUS scheme, students receive mentoring from leading executives, go on paid work placement and they can be guaranteed a job on graduation.
And soon there will be extra opportunities for ambitious students, when a new supply chain course – with a subtly different emphasis but offering the same career-boosting potential – is launched alongside the existing degree.
Retailers now backing the scheme include Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Sainsbury’s, Dixons, Halfords, Wickes, Argos and ASOS. They are an important addition to an already impressive roster of manufacturing and logistics companies supporting the NOVUS Trust, which aims to attract and develop new talent through specialist courses offered in partnership with the University of Huddersfield.
The existing BSc (Hons) Logistics and Supply Chain Management degree course was launched at the start of the current academic year. The first cohort of students – who were selected for the course after successfully passing through an assessment centre conducted by industry experts – have already received mentoring and several will go on paid work placement during the summer. One student has been invited by his mentor to attend and observe board meetings at retail giant Dixons.
Job guaranteed on graduation
The new academic year will see the launch of a second University of Huddersfield degree course under the aegis of the NOVUS Trust. This is a BA (Hons) in Business with Supply Chain Management. It will have some crossover with the existing logistics and supply chain management course, but will appeal to students will different aptitudes, explained David Leach, who is a Senior Lecturer in Supply Chain Management at the University and Programme Director for the Trust.
“If their personal leadership and team working skills are their strength, then they should go for Business with Supply Chain Management. If they are interested in taking analytical capabilities to a high level, then the Logistics and Supply Chain Management route is a better, more technical course,” explained Mr Leach, who added that students will be advised which route to take when they apply for a NOVUS Trust course.
Once accepted they enjoy benefits that include guaranteed work experience, paid twelve-month placement, mentoring from industry professionals, industry-led seminars and the opportunity to study for additional professional qualifications.
“Best of all is the job on graduation, guaranteed to students that achieve a minimum 2:1 degree classification and a satisfactory reference from their placement,” said Mr Leach.
He added that backers of the NOVUS scheme now included grocery, fashion, consumer electronics, DIY and general merchandise retailers – with both store based and on-line channels represented.
“Combined with manufacturers in food, consumer goods, automotive, construction materials and a host of specialist distribution companies, industry support now spans most sectors of the economy. This demonstrates that supply chain management is now at the top of the corporate agenda and the eagerness of business to attract new talent in this field,” said Mr Leach. “The new support has enabled us to expand the number of places for 2014 entry – interested candidates should contact us without delay,” he added.
- The NOVUS Trust scheme is open to applications from candidates with at least three B grades at A-Level. Applicants then take part in an industry-led assessment to gain a place. For further information, contact logistics@hud.ac.uk or telephone 01484 473346 or visit the NOVUS Trust website.
