Summer camp offers training for the trainers

Material handling education is set to expand across the country, thanks to an industry-supported training initiative that is helping high schools and community colleges develop programs for their students. In June, teachers and administrators from schools in eight states attended the annual "Train-the-Trainer Summer Camp" at the Don Frazier Technical Supply Chain Training Center in Rock Hill, S.C. At the "camp," instructors received guidance on how to set up a program, develop instructional materials, and provide opportunities for hands-on training, among other topics. The center, which is located at the York County Applied Technology Center, is sponsored by the Material Handling Education Foundation Inc. (MHEFI) and the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA).

One of the purposes of the local training centers is to provide "laboratories" where students can gain practical experience. The Frazier Center does that while also helping others: Students provide services for First Book, a non-profit that encourages children to read by giving them age-appropriate books, and Pack-the-Back, a non-profit that provides food and backpacks for low-income children.

To help in this endeavor, MHIA member RedPrairie recently donated its SmartTurn warehouse management system to the Frazier Center. And RedPrairie is not the only company that's stepped forward. Other companies have also donated equipment, software, and services to material handling education programs through MHEFI.

For more information about the Material Handling Education Foundation Inc. or the Frazier Center's technical training programs, contact MHEFI Executive Director Victoria Wheeler (vwheeler@mhia.org).