MHI Solutions Improving Supply Chain Performance
AS SUPPLY CHAINS become more complex, technology‑driven and essential to global economies, the demand for a skilled and adaptable workforce continues to rise. Meeting this demand requires more than traditional hiring strategies; it requires intentional collaboration between industry and academia. The College Industry Council on Material Handling Education (CICMHE), a core initiative of MHI, provides a proven model for how these partnerships can successfully build talent pipelines, accelerate innovation and prepare the next generation of supply chain leaders.
Founded to connect educators and industry professionals, CICMHE serves as a bridge between the classroom and the real world. Its mission is simple yet powerful: align academic programs with industry needs while creating meaningful opportunities for students, educators and practitioners to engage. This alignment ensures that students graduate not only with theoretical knowledge but with a clear understanding of how that knowledge applies in practice, making them workforce‑ready from day one.
A COLLABORATIVE MODEL FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
CICMHE’s approach to workforce development is rooted in collaboration. By bringing together universities, students and industry leaders, the organization fosters an ecosystem where learning is relevant, applied and continuously evolving. Industry professionals help inform curriculum and share real‑world insights, while educators translate those insights into classroom experiences that prepare students for modern supply chain careers.
This model directly supports workforce initiatives by closing the gap between education and employment. Students gain exposure to real challenges, companies connect with emerging talent earlier and educators stay aligned with industry trends. The result is a stronger, more agile workforce pipeline that benefits the entire supply chain ecosystem.
SIGNATURE PROGRAMS DRIVING IMPACT
CICMHE’s impact comes to life through its portfolio of programs, each designed to strengthen the connection between academia and industry while supporting workforce development.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT: STUDENT DAY AT MODEX AND PROMAT
One of the most visible and impactful programs is Student Day, held in conjunction with MHI’s tradeshow. Student Day immerses students in the industry through guided show floor tours, networking opportunities and exposure to cutting‑edge technologies.
At MODEX 2026, Student Day reached new heights with a record number of attendees. Final onsite participation included:
- 403 students
- 51 educators and adult chaperones
- 59 industry tour guides from MHI and WERC
- 91 exhibitor booth stops
That’s more than 500 individuals coming together in one day, all focused on shaping the future workforce. In just three hours, an on‑site photographer captured 279 complimentary professional headshots, equipping students with tools to support their career journeys. The 51 educators present collectively reach more than 35,000 students annually, amplifying the program’s long‑term impact.
These experiences are more than educational; they are transformational. Students gain a clearer understanding of career pathways while companies build early connections with emerging talent. Programs like Student Day and student design competitions bridge theory and practice, creating a direct pipeline into the industry.
FACULTY DEVELOPMENT: MATERIAL HANDLING TEACHERS INSTITUTE (MHTI)
Workforce development begins with educators. The Material Handling Teachers Institute (MHTI) equips faculty with the tools, knowledge and industry connections needed to deliver relevant and impactful instruction. This biennial program brings educators together with industry leaders to explore emerging trends, technologies and best practices.
As Daniel Silva, associate professor, industrial and systems engineering, Auburn University explains: “MHTI creates a unique environment where educators and industry professionals learn side by side. It ensures that what we bring back to our classrooms is not only current but directly aligned with the skills and knowledge students need to succeed in today’s supply chain workforce.”
By investing in educators, CICMHE creates a multiplier effect, enhancing the learning experience for thousands of students and ensuring that academic programs remain aligned with industry needs.
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