Classroom Day in its 5th year 

by Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 4/21/2008 6:51:00 AM

Material Handling Logistics Classroom Day gave materials handling and logistics students an opportunity yesterday to see the latest technologies and solutions up close. The event, in its fifth year, was open to faculty and students in engineering, business and technology schools at the two- or four-year level, according to Mike Ogle, vice president of educational and technical services for the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA).

“The day gives students an understanding of what’s going on in the industry by giving them a chance to see the show and visit all the solutions that are out there,” Ogle explained. Programs that teach materials handling or facility and logistics issues within a 200-mile radius of Cleveland were invited to participate.

MHIA’s Board of Governors considers this event so important, said Ogle, they set aside $10,000 to be dispersed among attending schools on a first-come/first-served basis to help defray travel and lodging costs. Because of these grants, more than 100 students were able to participate.

Presented by MHIA’s College Industry Council on Material Handling Education (CICMHE) and the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA), Classroom Day this year included participants from two-year colleges and even some students from the high school level, said Allan Howie, MHIA’s director of continuing education and professional development.

“We’ve expanded our Classroom Day invitation to that level this year because of the demand for our materials, expertise and contact information to community colleges, technical colleges and public school systems that have programs in material handling, logistics, distribution and supply chains,” Howie said.

Students and faculty received “Academic VIP” ribbons to wear on their badges and a packet of materials to help them better understand the show, the industry and the educational materials available from MHIA. At the same time, they received an overview on how materials handling and logistics solutions make goods flow, how solutions are developed, current and future trends and people and jobs in the industry. A special emphasis was placed on helping the groups determine how to maximize their time at NA 2008.

MHEDA arranged for 10 companies to designate an educational host at their booths, said Ogle.

“These experts represent a cross-section of the industry—software, hardware, consulting—and are specifically available to meet with students and their professors to answer questions about the field, solutions and careers,” he said. “Participating exhibitors welcome the opportunity to interact with the students.”

By speaking with vendors, students gain a better understanding of how to apply the technologies and techniques to solve real-world problems, Ogle said. “They’re encouraged to collect product literature, white papers, case studies, DVDs and other content that can be a valuable educational resource in their studies,” he added.