When knowledge becomes
a commodity!
STSA Operator’s Certificate
Practical training for Junior or Aspiring Operators
MARCH - JUNE 2017
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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.
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 170 Members,
large, medium or small entities.
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.
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.
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STSA Operator’s Certificate
MARCH - JUNE 2017
Objectives
Our main goals are:
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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:
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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.
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STSA Operator’s Certificate
MARCH - JUNE 2017
Teaching Format
The Certificate is composed of 10 modules and the whole programme is in English.
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.
We understand that participants often have
demanding professional and family
obligations; however, to earn the certificate
you will need to be fully engaged.
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.
All exams and assessments must be completed in English.
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STSA Operator’s Certificate
MARCH - JUNE 2017
Practical Information
Location:
Courses will take place at:
ISFB
La Praille
Route des Jeunes 12
1227 Carouge
Schedule:
8 hours per week on Friday evenings from 6pm to 10pm 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.
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STSA Operator’s Certificate
MARCH - JUNE 2017
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 [email protected], 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.
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STSA Operator’s Certificate
MARCH - JUNE 2017
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.
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STSA
14, rue du Mont Blanc
CH-1201 Geneva
T. +41 22 715 29 92
E. info@ stsaswiss.ch
www.stsaswiss.ch
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