The supply chain industry is constantly working towards improving education and workforce development initiatives. Notably, Toyota Material Handling has donated forklift models and components to Cornell University’s forklift Learning Studio, alongside entering a partnership with the institution. This move will ensure future engineers are properly trained and equipped with the necessary tools for success. Similarly, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has followed suit by launching a Women of Trucking Advisory Board (WOTAB) to support female commercial vehicle drivers. Additionally, the British International Freight Association (BIFA) has partnered with Manpower to create the Freight Development Pathway (FDP), a program that gives candidates the opportunity to gain practical experience and skills while getting paid.
Toyota Material Handling’s partnership with Cornell University is a significant step towards improving workforce development. The forklift Learning Studio will offer seven different engineering courses, providing students with interactive tools to study thermofluids, structural mechanics, control dynamics, and more. This program will also help participants learn how to deconstruct and assemble forklifts and better understand the components inside them. Commenting on the partnership, Toyota Material Handling CEO Brett Wood said, “We are excited about the future of this partnership and the impact it will have on the next generation of engineers.”
The FMCA’s WOTAB was created to address the lack of representation of female commercial vehicle drivers within the trucking industry. Various barriers prevent women from entering and remaining in this field, and the WOTAB aims to eliminate these obstacles. The board has created scholarship opportunities for women, enhanced trucking training and outreach programs, and is working towards creating a safer working environment for female drivers. Through its various initiatives, WOTAB hopes to help women succeed in the trucking profession and contribute to the industry’s growth and evolution.
BIFA’s FDP is an excellent example of a program created to help individuals gain practical experience and skills while getting paid for their work. The three-week program, developed in partnership with Manpower, is designed to give candidates an understanding of freight and customs training. This experience is intended to help potential employees gain a better understanding of what it’s like to work in a group and prepare them for the job they are trained for. BIFA is also hosting a virtual event where members can learn how they can benefit from the FDP.
In conclusion, initiatives such as these provide promising prospects for education and training in the supply chain industry. As a result, many individuals will have opportunities to develop their careers and contribute positively to the growth of the profession.