MHI Solutions Improving Supply Chain Performance
BY BRIAN PFANNES, PRESIDENT, STEEL KING INDUSTRIES
AS THE LEADER of a material handling business, a question on my mind every day is, “How do we bring in that next generation of talent to lead our organization?” I know from talking to my peers that I’m not alone. A big reason that we’re thinking about it so much is because the answer is neither simple nor straightforward.
The fact is that our industry doesn’t have the mystique of some other fields, such as the big tech companies that spend so much time in the headlines. But we know that we have a lot to offer to different types of workers, from trades‑based workers to those in technical and professional positions. We can never take it for granted, though. It takes a lot of commitment to make sure young people know that.
Fortunately, we have many partners and paths that can help us along the way. And because we have so much to offer for those with their eyes on sustainable, long‑term careers, we can make our case whenever the chance arises.
There are two distinct components to our efforts, and one is in the area of trade careers. For far too long, there has been a massive emphasis on getting young people onto the same, one‑track path—grade school, high school, college. The reality is, there are many great‑paying jobs in the trades waiting for workers with the interest and training to take them. I’m particularly attached to this because I owe my career to starting in the trades, paying my way through school by taking on work in the residential construction field. It’s difficult to overstate how rewarding it is to learn with your hands.
To me, a critical, often‑overlooked piece of getting students involved in trade careers is effective outreach to their parents. It’s vital to get parents to understand when their children are in high school—even grade school— that trade careers offer tremendous benefits. We want them to understand that their children can learn skills that transfer directly into careers that will always be there for them. When they understand that, they will no longer have the knee‑jerk reaction of steering them away from trade fields and instead will encourage them to take a closer look at them.
Fortunately, I am very hopeful that we’re seeing a groundswell of support for the trades and a deeper understanding of their possibilities. Often, the most effective efforts are built around trade schools that are embedded in communities. In our Wisconsin town, Mid‑State Technical College’s AMETA® Center was built with both state funds and private dollars from businesses in the area. It was driven by the pressing need to develop talent in the trades. It is also important for businesses and technical schools to work closely with high schools to ensure they recognize the opportunity for great careers—and plenty of work—in trade fields. When high schools are on board, it’s very powerful.
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