Despite the challenges in 2020 and heading into 2021, one theme still holds: securing future talent for the industry will continue to be an area of focus.
By Maria Leggett
The year 2020 will be top of mind for quite some time. For the supply chain and material handling industry, 2020 will be the year that everyone learned why supply chains are critical to businesses and consumers. Despite the challenges and disruption of 2020 and heading into 2021, one theme still holds: securing future talent for the industry will continue to be an area of focus for companies.
In 2008, MHI launched the textbook series, “The Fundamentals of Warehousing.” Building competencies in warehouse basics, technology and business soft skills, the books are purchased by career and technical education institutions for use in their curricula.
Fast-forward to 2021, these textbooks are still in use at Career & Technical Education (CTE) schools across the country. While the fundamentals are still a vital industry foundation for students, business communication skills, hands-on labs with warehouse equipment, and real-world experience through internships and apprenticeships create a well-rounded future employee.
Early on, MHI partnered with the academic community to provide resources and events to introduce students to the industry. That connection remains as the MHI Knowledge Team continues to sponsor Student Day at MHI tradeshows and collaborate with faculty at CTE schools and universities. I spoke recently to the lead faculty at three schools to learn more about their programs. Two of the schools have been operating for several years and continue to grow, and a third school is launching its program due to strong local economic growth. They shared why their programs are successful and what they need from MHI and member companies to provide the best-in-class future talent.