The Supply Chain & Logistics Technology bachelor's and master's degree plans at the University of Houston are now accredited by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), allowing students to apply for membership upon graduation and use the CILT credential after their name. This marks the first such distinction for any academic program in the United States. CILT is the oldest international transportation and logistics organization in the world.
"In launching our globally-recognized credential program, we are addressing gaps in skill sets and focusing on filling those gaps with our students, helping them become more marketable," said Margaret Kidd, program director, Supply Chain & Logistics Technology.
Funds from a $50,000 Port Houston grant are being used to embed curriculum from the Chartered Institute into an online learning platform for certificate courses. The initial cohort of participants come from area dual-credit high schools with a logistics focus and community colleges offering logistics and international business degrees.
"The College of Technology prides itself in providing degree programs that support the workforce - a workforce that both needs to expand in numbers to boost the economy, but also to provide a more relevant education for industry and commerce," said Anthony P. Ambler, dean of the UH College of Technology. "We are grateful to the Port Houston and its support of our technology program which explicitly exposes students to how business operates so that they are able to be productive quickly."
Harris County Commissioner for Precinct 2, Adrian Garcia, Port Houston Commissioner Wendy Montoya Cloonan, as well as Lisbeth Cabrera, a program participant working in the field of maritime logistics, joined Ambler and Kidd at a press conference on the UH campus announcing the grant and certification.
"The pandemic has wrecked several sectors of the economy, directly impacting thousands, and so many are searching for new skills that translate to this new normal. This UH program, funded by Port grants, is yet another way we and our partners are addressing that," said Commissioner Garcia. "Hardworking people need locally elected officials, educational institutions, and industry to help us get past these difficult times, which is why I am extremely excited about the launch of this program."
"Our program plays an integral part in preparing the next generation of workers. We thank Port Houston for funding our project which provides meaningful influence for area students," said Kidd.
Aside from being the initial hub for all CILT credentialed courses (certifications) in the United States, the UH Supply Chain & Logistics Technology program serves as the Education Ambassador to other colleges and universities in the United States, Mexico, Panama and Brazil who seek membership as an CILT-accredited academic degree plan.
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