We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • Webcasts
    • Blogs
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Global Logistics and Risk
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • Parcel Forum 2022
    • MODEX 2022
    • Upload Your Video
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • Webcasts
    • Blogs
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Global Logistics and Risk
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • Parcel Forum 2022
    • MODEX 2022
    • Upload Your Video
Home » help wanted (soon, we hope)
outbound

help wanted (soon, we hope)

July 1, 2009
Mitch Mac Donald
No Comments

Let's put our worries about the current economic environment aside for a moment and give some thought to the day when business starts to pick up. On the bright side, we can look forward to rising sales, a stock market rally, and a surge in freight volume. But there will be a downside as well. For one thing, a problem that's been on temporary hold during the economic slump is sure to re-emerge: a shortage of people to fill critical jobs in logistics.

Finding workers for distribution centers, truck terminals, and even corporate logistics departments has been a long-standing challenge for this sector. There are a couple of reasons for that. One is a lack of awareness—logistics is hardly front of mind in mainstream America. Another is a perceived shortage of programs to prepare and train young people for jobs in material handling.

But there are signs things are starting to change. For instance, in April, the Material Handling Education Foundation Inc. (MHEFI) took an important step toward attracting young workers to the field when it dedicated the Don Frazier Material Handling Technical Training Program in Rock Hill, S.C. As a news story in last month's issue of DC VELOCITY noted, this pilot program is designed to provide entry-level material handling education for high school, technical school, and community college students. MHEFI says the students will gain practical skills and experience in state-of-the-art warehouse and distribution training centers across the nation.

And in a story on page 18 of this issue, Managing Editor Toby Gooley writes about a program under way in North Carolina that will also expand training opportunities in this sector. As part of an initiative to make the Piedmont Triad region a major international logistics hub, a local economic development agency—the Piedmont Triad Partnership—is opening a center for logistics workforce development. Called the Center for Global Logistics, the facility will offer courses, seminars, technical training, and other educational opportunities from colleges and universities in the Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point area. An education taskforce has already begun to reach out to local schools, from the elementary through high school levels, to introduce the logistics profession to educators and students.

It's not just students who are being targeted by logistics training programs. In June, Circumference America Inc. (CAI), a disabled veteran-owned small business, announced it was launching a logistics job training program for active military. Called Move Vets, the program will offer ongoing Web-based classes for active military and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Beginning in September, CAI will offer introductory courses in third-party logistics; truckload, less-than-truckload, ocean, and air freight; supply chain management; shipper relations; and logistics software. Also on the docket is "Trucking 101," according to CAI, which is a non-asset-based transportation holding company whose operating affiliates provide truckload, expedited, intermodal, ocean, and air transportation services.

CAI is offering the program at no cost. Although there are no job guarantees, students who complete the program may be eligible for internships at one of CAI's companies. Graduates will also have access to free job postings and résumé search services. "The mission of Move Vets is to provide jobs and job training for exciting careers in the logistics industry to our nation's active military and veterans who have sacrificed so much in their lives to protect ours," said Mike Steele, president and CEO of Circumference America, in a prepared statement. "We salute you, we thank you, and we are here to serve you." Hear, hear, Mr. Steele.

Supply Chain Services Business Management & Finance
  • Related Articles

    Logistics challenges are why we can’t expect a Covid-19 vaccine as soon as we’d like

    one DC we hope never gets busy: U.S. agency opens DC for supplies to fight bird flu outbreak

    help wanted!

Mitchmacdonald
Mitch Mac Donald has more than 30 years of experience in both the newspaper and magazine businesses. He has covered the logistics and supply chain fields since 1988. Twice named one of the Top 10 Business Journalists in the U.S., he has served in a multitude of editorial and publishing roles. The leading force behind the launch of Supply Chain Management Review, he was that brand's founding publisher and editorial director from 1997 to 2000. Additionally, he has served as news editor, chief editor, publisher and editorial director of Logistics Management, as well as publisher of Modern Materials Handling. Mitch is also the president and CEO of Agile Business Media, LLC, the parent company of DC VELOCITY and CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly.

Recent Articles by Mitch Mac Donald

20 years later, the question remains the same: Are you up to SPEED?

Hail and farewell: interview with Gail Rutkowski

Thought I’d something more to say …

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Outlook 2023: What’s in store for logistics/supply chain?

  • Ports, maritime operators see tide turning as ocean freight tsunami subsides

  • In Person: Steve Beverly of Penske

  • InPerson interview: Rob McKeel of Fortna

  • Shipping groups back bipartisan trucking overhaul bill

Now Playing on DCV-TV

89cfed30 8aac 4284 960d c8c8c1886e16

Have you checked your read rate lately?

DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
No reads. Unaccounted for boxes. Boxes sent to the wrong place. A logistics nightmare! But this nightmare doesn’t have to come true. SICK’s linear line scan camera is what dreams are made of for your logistics operations. And if you’re worried about motion and vibration from conveyor belts...well, there’s no reason...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • The five best applications for robotic lift trucks in warehouse environments

  • Fulfillment Facility Improved Efficiencies by 4x

  • 3PLs: Complete Orders Faster with Flexible Automation

  • Reusable Packaging for the New Wave of Supply Chain Automation

View More

Subscribe to DC Velocity Magazine

GET YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTION
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2023. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing