When knowledge becomes a commodity! STSA Operator s Certificate Practical training for Junior or Aspiring Operators 1
Introduction The Lake Geneva Region Trading Hub has become a unique centre of expertise and is recognised worldwide. In the Region only, more than 400 companies are currently active in the commodity trading business, and this figure keeps growing by the day. This field represents directly or indirectly about 10,000 jobs. As a result, there is a constant training requirement for specific positions such as Operators, Schedulers and Charterers. The people responsible for the logistical and operational aspects of trading. Standardisation and internationalisation are making technical knowledge an increasing prerequisite. GTSA was created in 2006 by the main actors of the Lake Geneva Region Commodity Trading community. In 2014 it became STSA one national Association for Trading and Shipping in Switzerland - and now represents now more than 170 members encompassing large, medium and small entities. The Association has acquired a renowned experience in organising educational programs such as the Master of Arts in International Trading, Commodity Finance and Shipping and the Diploma in Advanced Studies in Commodity Trading. Both programs have been created in partnership with the University of Geneva and have run since 2008 with an increasing level of recognition. STSA, the Swiss Trading and Shipping Association, has been created in 2006 by the main actors of the Lake Geneva Region Commodity Trading Community and represents now more than 190 Members, large, medium or small entities. This demand for qualified individuals explains why STSA s members asked for the Operator s Certificate to be created. It is a very practical training designed by a Working Group composed of experts in Operations, Finance, HR managers and is coordinated by STSA. The network and experience of STSA and the Working Group have allowed the selection of the best experts and speakers in the industry. 2
Objectives Our main goals are: to support commodity trading companies in their training requirements for new employees to accelerate the training process for junior operators/charterers to allow young professionals to consider a new career More specifically, this programme aims at: Covering most types of commodities and to give participants a solid understanding of: Contracts Trading operations Chartering and Shipping Operations Laytime and demurrage handling Financial Instruments and Payment Terms Physical Risks and Insurance Law Disputes and Resolution Schemes Allowing participants to understand the life cycle of a trade from the operational side. The programme has been created with a hands-on approach in order to give participants the best and quickest possible grip of the diverse procedures needed to operate commodity trading. The modules take place Friday evenings and Saturday mornings so as not to interfere with a professional activity and to give enough time to absorb and eventually practise what has been learnt in the programme. Who should attend? Junior operators and charterers in the early stages of a career in a commodity trading company who want to accelerate their training process and fully grasp all angles of a complex profession. Young professionals considering making a career change and interested in moving into the commodity field. There is no employment guarantee after the completion of the programme and STSA will not help or be involved in any job research process for the participants. 3
Teaching Format The Certificate is composed of 12 modules and the whole programme is in English. It also includes a field experience: a study trip to the Port of Barcelona to see first-hand the operations in a major European port. Some pre-reading, preparation, case studies or homework maybe required based upon the teachers recommendations and will be communicated upon acceptance to the course. The lectures are given by experts in the fields of commodity trading and shipping, with inputs from guest speakers to give further depth and varying perspectives. Evaluation Successful attendance and results of exams will enable participants to receive the STSA Operator s Certificate, recognised by its members, implying most major commodity trading companies, trade finance banks and shipping activities. STSA understands that participants often have demanding professional and family obligations; however, to earn the certificate you will need to be fully engaged. Each module is subject to an evaluation. The candidates are required to attend and participate in a minimum of 80% of the programme sessions to obtain the Certificate. Any absence must be justified appropriately. An overall average of 4.0 (out of 6) must be achieved in order to graduate, and not more than one mark between 3.0 and 4.0 will be accepted. A mark lower than 3.0 will automatically disqualify the participant from obtaining the Certificate. The participant may re-take the failed module/course at the following intake at his/her cost. Only one opportunity to retake the module will be given. If the participant fails more than 2 modules in one session he will be automatically disqualified. Any participant caught cheating or plagiarising will be automatically disqualified without appeal. We understand that participants often have demanding professional and family obligations; however, to earn the certificate you will need to be fully engaged. All exams and assessments must be completed in English. 4
Practical Information Location: To be confirmed Schedule: 8 hours per week on Friday evenings from 6.30pm to 9.30pm and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm. See detailed schedule in the planning. Fees For STSA members CHF 5 900 (includes 10 modules) For non STSA members CHF 6 900 (includes 10 modules) Multi booking A discount of 10% will be applied for 3 or more bookings from the same company in the same intake. Instalments After acceptance of an admission, a deposit of CHF 900 will be requested to secure the place and confirm the enrolment. In case of withdrawal, no refund of the deposit will be paid. The balance must be paid at least 20 days before the course starts. Cancellation and substitution policy No refund whatsoever will be made for cancellations received 10 days or less before the course start date, but participants can be substituted by an acceptable candidate if the organisers receive prior notification. 5
How to apply? Applications must include the following documents: 1) Motivation letter in English 2) Application form completed and signed; 3) Your updated resume in English; 4) 1 passport picture. Only completed electronic application files sent by email to info@stsaswiss.ch, will be taken into consideration. Admission criteria: 1) Strong command of both spoken and written English. As the program is entirely taught in English, a language test may be required. 2) Being fully proficient with Microsoft Office. Applications will be accepted or refused at the sole discretion of STSA. Late applications will be considered subject to availability. You will be notified via e-mail if your candidacy is accepted. The class will take a maximum of 20 participants per intake. 6
FAQ Can you help me to acquire a work permit? No. This is an educational programme. STSA is not able to provide this kind of service. Do I need to take my laptop to class? It is your own choice to bring your laptop to class, but it may be requested by some trainers. Will you help me to find a job? No. The purpose of the Certificate is for the participants to become professionally more effective and competent in operations. It is not STSA s purpose or objective to assist the participants in finding a job. Will food be provided? There is a cafeteria on the premises where you can buy food and drinks. When I obtain my Certificate will I be accepted to pursue the Master or the Diploma also set up by STSA? While the Certificate and the above mentioned programmes may have some professors and/or guest speakers in common, these are totally different programmes. Acceptance for the Master or Diploma is bound by their specific set of rules. Can I meet STSA representatives before the courses? It is unfortunately unlikely that STSA representatives will be available to meet participants. Can I be accepted even if I do not have any particular certification? Yes, the only prerequisites are your motivation and your English language ability. Do I need to speak French? French is not mandatory for this programme. What happens if I cannot attend one course? It will be your responsibility to obtain the presentations and the notes taken during the course from another student and to coordinate with the trainer responsible for the module to pass the exam. Under no circumstances can courses be recorded. Can I write my assignments in French? No, the language of the programme is in English and all correspondence, assignments and/or exams must be written in English. 7
STSA 14, rue du Mont Blanc CH-1201 Geneva T. +41 22 715 29 92 E. info@ stsaswiss.ch www.stsaswiss.ch 8