Modex 2012: Educators to learn how to develop distribution, logistics programs in high schools

With the demand for trained, entry-level warehouse and materials handling workers continuing to rise, the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) continues to help school systems and teachers with materials and information about how to meet those needs. To that end, MHIA is hosting a special full-day program, called “Developing a Distribution and Logistics Program at the Secondary School Level,” on Wednesday to educate educators about its Technical Career Education Programs (TCEP).

“The presentation will help school systems and teachers by providing them with materials and information about how to set the programs up and how to offer practical, hands-on experiences in a simulated warehouse setting,” said Allan Howie, MHIA’s director of continuing education and professional development. “Participants in this free program will hear directly from teachers and students who are following this curriculum right now.”

Interest in establishing materials handling education programs has grown exponentially, said Howie, with programs in California, Florida, Indiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.

The program offers recommendations for syllabi, curriculum and resources. “Many of these programs are now introducing a real-life, hands-on component to their curriculum by adding a community service project to help their local communities,” Howie added.

The event kicks off at 10:15 a.m. in Room C201 on the second level of the Georgia World Conference Center Building C with a series of presentations moderated by Matthew Gambill, executive director of the Georgia Association of Career and Technical Education.

Gambill will review the current state of career opportunities in distribution and logistics, as well as how curriculums in these areas fit into the mandates of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Coalition. Subsequent presentations include:
• Allan Howie: “It is more than box-kicking and label-licking,” a review of warehousing, distribution, logistics and supply chain and the skills needed for successful employment in the field.

• Kathy DePiro, instructor of logistics and materials management for the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center in Altoona, Pa.: “Where can we find instructional materials and support?” a review of curriculum and textbook resources.

• Bob Trebilcock, executive editor of Modern Materials Handling and Allan Howie, presenting a review of available textbooks, multimedia resources, assessments and industry certifications.

• Dave Finley, instructor at the Don Frazier Supply Chain Training Center Applied Technology Center in Rock Hill, S.C., and Vicki Phillips, instructor of Material Handling/Logistics/Transportation Technology at the Lehigh Career & Technical Institute in Schnecksville, Pa.: “The need for a working distribution facility at your school,” covering the basics of movement, storage, control and protection of goods, as well as basic equipment needed to start a training program.

• Rebecca Golden, instructor at the Global Logistics Career Academy of Columbia High School in Lake City, Fla.: “A day in the life of the student in a logistics and distribution program from a student’s perspective,” discussing typical hours spent both in the classroom and distribution center, as well as student and project diversity.

During lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m., in a presentation entitled “Giving back to your community,” two guest speakers will discuss how this curriculum can benefit a school’s surrounding region by applying real-life, hands-on projects. Serena Williams of the Rock Hill School District Three Education Foundation in Rock Hill, S.C. will discuss her organization’s Back-the-Pack Initiative, and Rachael Vorhees, senior director of the First Book National Book Bank in Washington, D.C., will review her organization’s programs.

Modex 2012 is scheduled to be held February 6-9, 2012 in Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry. Modern’s complete Modex 2012 coverage.