National Center for Supply Chain Automation

The National Center for Supply Chain Automation (SCA), in partnership with Walmart E-commerce and the Florida Advanced Technological Education Center (FLATE), hosted a Workforce Development forum focused on the Supply Chain Technician (SCT) occupation on February 22, 2017 in Davenport, Florida.  More than 30 local and national industry representatives, all with a need to hire skilled technicians, traveled in for the forum.  They were greeted by academic professionals representing eight colleges from across the state, which teach engineering and mechatronics programs that are similar to the SCA model program.  

The forum was held at a brand new Walmart E-commerce center and included a group tour of the highly automated, state-of-the-art operation.  During the program, industry presentations  made by various firms focused on their current and future need for SCTs, their challenges in recruiting skilled people for these positions, and their desire to find academic partners to work with to address the automation technician workforce shortage. Best-in-class examples of internship, apprenticeship and technician training programs were showcased.  Academics from the region also made presentations about their educational institutions and highlighted details about their engineering and mechatronics programs.

These “Industry-Education Ecosystem Building” events provide an opportunity for industry and education to connect in a unique way to discuss mutual challenges and solutions.  Having an SCA industry partner host the event at an automated facility provides context to educators unfamiliar with the role of the technician in a 21st century automated fulfillment center.

There was a high level of networking taking place before the forum, between presentations and while walking during the tour. Opportunities to partner were discussed, business cards were exchanged and real connections were made. As a solutions-based resource, all of the industry representatives who participated were given detailed contact information for each college, each key administrator or professor and information about the college’s programmatic focus.

After the forum, industry partners departed for a tour of the labs and teaching facilities at Hillsborough Community College. This brings industry professionals to campus to provide them with a better understanding of the college programs, how training is conducted in the labs and forges a true connection with a prospective academic partner.

For more information about future Industry-Driven Workforce Development Forums, contact Steve Harrington @[email protected].

Walmart is working with the National Center for Supply Chain Automation (SCA) and the Florida Advanced Technological Education Center (FLATE) to host a Supply Chain Technician focused workforce development forum.  Industry is driving this innovative program which will feature a state of the art tour of Walmart’s new ecommerce Fulfillment Center in Davenport, FL.  Industry executives from Intelligrated, FedEx Ground and Walmart will make presentations highlighting their Technician recruitment challenges and workforce development strategies.  Marilyn Barger, Executive Director and PI for FLATE will provide an overview of Automation Technician Education in FL and Hillsborough Community College will discuss their successful mechatronics program and host a campus tour for industry.   Representatives from numerous logistics industry firms and FLATE academic partners will be in attendance.  The forum is designed to facilitate connections between industry partners who have a demand for skilled Technicians and academics with viable Technician training programs that are similar to the SCA model program and prepare graduates for employment in the 21st Century Automated Warehouse.  

The National Center for Supply Chain Technology Education (SCTE) is holding a series of Industry/Education Workforce Forums across key national markets. One of these forums was held in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area on April 29th, hosted by Walmart at the Walmart Fulfillment Center.  Participants attended a tour of Walmart’s automated logistics operation, which provided meaningful context for college attendees about how technicians work in automated settings and, for all attendees, to learn more about advanced material handling systems. 

The objective of these events is to introduce industry partners with strong and ongoing Supply Chain Technician demand to academic leaders at colleges with established programs in areas such as mechatronics/advanced manufacturing, industrial maintenance, or integrated systems technology, as these programs have key similarities to the National Center model program. Colleges with these programs are well positioned to add supply chain technician training, thus affording students additional career pathway options.  

The industry and educator forum began with an SCTE presentation from Steve Harrington, Industry Liaison.  This talk highlighted the Center’s progress, web-based resources and industry research data on why warehouses are now installing automated material handling equipment and systems.  One industry attendee gave a presentation about their workforce development strategy of partnering with community colleges and technical schools to grow their technician workforce.  The presentation included a forceful “Call to Action” message to industry highlighting 10 different ways companies can work with colleges and the National Center to further this mission.  A representative from Intelligrated also made a presentation focused on the technician shortage and challenges firms have nationally with ongoing turnover due to internal promotions, staffing changes and baby boomer retirements.  Together these three factors create an industry wide annual turnover averaging 15% annually. 

Following the Industry presentations, academics had their turn at the podium highlighting programs on their campuses which contain elements of the National Center model program.  The objective of these presentations was to make industry partners aware of the programs taught at each schools and to identify potential partners for their workforce development needs.  Elaine Gaertner, SCTE Educational Liaison, concluded with a presentation to the educators about SCTE classroom resources while the industry group attended campus tours at Tarrant County, Eastfield, and Richland Community Colleges.

Fifteen academics representing 7 colleges and 38 industry attendees, representing such companies as UPS, FedEx, Target, and Levi/Kohls, attended the event.  Together, the firms participating in this forum have an annual need for more than 1,000 skilled supply chain technicians and currently employ over 8,000 nationally.  These supply chain technicians play a critical role in installing, maintaining, and updating the automated systems in a 21st century warehouse of distribution center. In aggregate, the industry partners have enough regional demand for technicians to justify dedicated Community College or Technical School CTE programs focused on this occupation.  

"The combination of relevant curriculum, rigorous coursework, and job search assistance helped me get a great paying job."     -David Gonzalez      Supply Chain Technician      Luxfer Gas Cylinders

David Gonzalez recently graduated from the ACE (Accelerated Certificate & Employment) program. By attending the full-time program, he completed his certificate in Industrial Automation in less than 7 months. After completing the 28 unit program, David interviewed with several employers. David accepted an offer from Luxfer Gas Cylinders in Riverside, CA. His new skills, positive attitude, and persistence help him land the job of his dreams. Upon his recent visit to campus, he spoke to the new group of students pursuing the ACE program (shown above). He shared his experience in the program and helpful interview tips and with our students:

"If you only remember one piece of advice, remember to be the best student possible. Yes, this program is intense, but it will help you get the job you want. It worked for me."   - Michael Anguiano ACE Graduate & New Intelligrated Employee

Michael Anguiano recently graduated from the ACE (Accelerated Certificate & Employment) program. By attending a full-time program, he received his certificate in Industrial Automation in less than 7 months.  After completing the 28 unit program, Michael interviewed and was offered a job with Intelligrated in Ontario, CA. His new skills, positive attitude, and persistence help him land the job of his dreams.

"This new position will help me provide for my family."

   -Mark Merritt     ACE Graduate & Target Employee

The Accelerated Certificate & Employment (ACE) program offers accelerated certificates with an occupational emphasis. Norco College trains residents for careers in high-demand occupations, such as Automated Systems Technician, Computer Numerical Control Programmer, and Electrician. These programs offer the education and training necessary to lead individuals directly to employment. This month we feature Mark Merritt, a student who successfully completed the ACE program and immediately found employment with Target.  Here is his story, in his own words:

"The ACE program at Norco College provided guidance and gave me insight about the variety of automated positions available in the local area. I learned that the concept of automation incorporates computer controlled devices along with various mechanical aspects. I appreciated the opportunity to create a bond with the professors and classmates as a result of the full-time schedule. Also, the program staff built connections with employers, which created a bridge between their open jobs and the students. This increased our employment opportunities upon completion of the ACE program. Although I am not a first time college student, this is the first time having such success after completion of a training program. There were many campus resources I found helpful, especially Norco College's career resources. Despite some personal challenges, such as the usual juggling between family time and the school schedule and homework/study hours, the program ultimately improved my life. It provided me the skills, knowledge, and tools to progress in my career and ultimately landed me a great position at the Target Distribution Center. This new position will help me provide for my family. In the future, I see myself moving up the ladder to a lead or supervisor position and obtaining my Bachelors. I would like to thank Norco College for giving me an opportunity to put my career on a fast track so I can provide for my family. I would also like to thank all my professors and Norco staff for contributing to my success."

On November 3, members of the National Center for Supply Chain Technology Education (SCTE) Industry Leadership Team and Columbus State Community College (CSCC) partnered with SCTE to convene an industry and educator forum. Phil Jones, NA Facilities & Engineering Manager for Target, introduced SCTE to senior leaders at a Columbus, Ohio area Target distribution center which hosted the joint meeting and two amazing facility tours.  Kieran Ryan, Director of LSS Field Operations for Intelligrated, worked to secure involvement of key industry representatives as well as leaders from CSCC and Intelligrated.  Scott Filgis, Regional Field Engineering Manager for Dematic, also brought key industry representatives to the table.

The objective of this “Ecosystem Development” work is to introduce industry partners, with strong and ongoing Supply Chain Technician demand, to key academic leaders at colleges with established programs that have key similarities to the SCTE model program. In aggregate, the regional industry partners have enough annual demand for Technicians to justify a dedicated college or technical school program focused on this occupation.

Together, firms who participated in this event have an annual demand for more than 1,000 skilled Supply Chain Technicians nationally and currently employ over 7,000 technicians.  Industry meeting attendees included senior representatives from FedEx Ground, UPS, Wal-Mart, Target, Intelligrated, Dematic, Ascena, L Brands and Witron.  In this convening, direct competitors came together to discuss collaborative ways to grow the Technician workforce pipeline rather than continuing to steal talent from one another, a common industry practice.  The industry participants have a combined need in the Columbus market area for 25 Technicians annually. This is enough employment demand to “sustain” a full time dedicated technician program in Columbus.

The industry and educator forum began with an SCTE presentation from Steve Harrington, Industry Liaison.  This talk highlighted the Center’s progress, web-based resources and research data focused on why warehouses are now installing automated material handling equipment and systems.  The increasing use of warehouse automation is driving the need for more skilled technicians. 

Phil Jones then shared information on Target’s workforce strategy to partner with community colleges and technical schools to grow the technician workforce.  His presentation included a forceful “call to action” message to industry highlighting 10 different ways companies can work with CSCC and SCTE to further this mission.  Kieran Ryan made a second industry presentation focused on the technician shortage and the challenges firms have nationally with ongoing turnover due to internal promotions, staffing changes and baby boomer retirements estimated at 15% annually.

Attendees then toured two separate automated Target facilities.  The highlight was a tour of the fully automated Food Distribution Center featuring a state of the art Witron system. The tours help to provide context for the occupation to educators who are unfamiliar with automated warehousing, and for all attendees to learn more about advanced material handling systems. The event concluded with a lunch meeting and discussion between CSCC staff and industry participants focused on next steps. 

After the forum, a number of meeting attendees traveled to campus where Jeff Spain, Supervisor, Center for Workforce Development, showcased CSCC’s industrial training lab to industry representatives. A $1M grant from the National Science Foundation’s ATE Program was used to purchase the state of the art equipment utilized in the training lab.  Additionally, during a separate presentation, Elaine Gaertner, Educational Liaison for SCTE, introduced national center resources to CSCC staff and discussed how SCTE and CSCC can collaborate.

Mike Bowers, Director of CSCC’s Center for Workforce Development and Scott Wegeng, Supervisor, Business, Engineering & Technology, worked with SCTE to plan the gathering.  CSCC has a leading Electro-Mechanical AA degree program lead by Dr. Dick Bickerstaff, Electronic Engineering Technology Department Chair. This program drew the attention of Elaine Gaertner and SCTE staff because it contains many aspects of the industry vetted SCTE Model Program.  The successful CSCC program, strong demand for Technicians and industry data identifying Columbus as a logistics centroid, all made Columbus a perfect location for SCTE’s first Ecosystem Development project.

Forum participants learned from each other through the exchange of expert information and ideas with the mutual goal of driving sustainable momentum toward meeting current and future Supply Chain Technician workforce demands. SCTE is now working nationwide to convene significant regional forums consisting of like-minded logistics industry stakeholders and academic professionals focused on this strategic goal. Photo above: Kieran Ryan, Director of LSS Field Operations for Intelligrated, delivers his presentation focused on Technician recruitment challenges to meeting attendees Photo below: Attendees from Industry and CSCC who participated in the ecosystem development forum.

Phil Jones, Distribution Engineering & Facilities Group Manager for Target and Steve Harrington, Industry Liaison, National Center for Supply Chain Technology Education recently partnered on a co-presentation at Dematic’s annual Material Handling & Logistics Conference in Park City, Utah.  25 industry professionals involved in maintaining, repairing, upgrading and installing automated equipment and systems were in attendance. 

In the co-developed format, Mr. Harrington provided background on SCTE, highlighted milestone accomplishments and introduced resources for business and educators.  Then Mr. Jones stepped up to the podium to talk about Target’s commitment to growing the Technician workforce and featured a real world business case example of this commitment in action.  In closing, Mr. Jones talked about the “Top 10 Ways Industry Can Help SCTE” then he issued an industry call to action for all presentation attendees.

The presentation was titled: “New Thinking on What Matters in Technician Education."  The abstract for the talk read as follows: Automated materials handling systems have advanced in precision and the Technicians who care for them need to possess precision capabilities as well.  Skilled Technicians are in short supply and these presenters are one part of the answer.  They will share details on their collaborative work to address the shortage of skilled Technicians nationally and the emerging development of a Supply Chain Technician certification driven by industry.

Over 500 individuals attended the more than 55 sessions offered by this world class supply chain education event addressing supply chain trends, strategies and thought leadership. The 2015 Conference was highlighted with a special evening featuring remarks by Condoleezza Rice.  In addition to Dr. Rice, participants attended sessions addressing robotic picking, data warehousing, ensuring growth with automation, omni-channel fulfillment, waveless picking and more. The Innovation Lab featured the latest trends in the Supply Chain industry such as augmented reality, image-based barcode tunnel, 3D image solutions, PC based automation, and robotic picking.

New NSCTE White Paper:  Strategies for A Successful Articulation Program From High Schools to Community/Technical Colleges

Are you looking to begin or improve upon an existing articulation program?   The National Center for Supply Chain Technology Education (NSCTE) encourages 2+2 pathways as a method of introducing supply chain technology to high students, while allowing them to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously while attracting students into this high growth, high demand occupation.

NSCTE’s newest white paper, Strategies for Implementing A Successful Articulation Program from High Schools to Community Colleges, provides a comprehensive roadmap to help teachers, faculty, and educational institutions provide a seamless transition for students in these programs.   This publication outlines practical instructions and best practices for:

• articulation meeting planning and essential participants • developing articulation procedures • creating articulation agreements • creating an articulation handbook • when articulation agreements should be reviewed • staffing an articulation program • granting articulation credit • effective data management

As Norco College and the National Center For Supply Chain Technology Education combine forces to bring awareness to the Supply Chain Technician career path, the leadership team makes every effort increase awareness among Veterans who are looking for the next step after their military service. One exceptional student, Daniel Burbank, a Veteran who served four years around the globe as a turbine and diesel mechanic, discovered the Supply Chain Technician specialization by chance while working in Veteran Services at Norco College.  Before he came to work for Norco, Daniel was working a warehouse job he was forced to take after failing to find a position in the private sector that fit his skill set.  Less than two years later, Daniel is back to work in a warehouse, but this time as a Supply Chain Technician employed by Intelligrated.  Aside from being part of a team that sorts over 100,000 packages delivered daily, he also continues to utilize his GI bill to further his education at Norco College. Like many people, he isn't sure how long he'll be on this particular career path, but when asked about the future of the Supply Chain Technician specialization, he was excited for the number of opportunities it will provide to Veterans.  For him, it was exciting to combine his previous knowledge with fascinating new technology. 

Daniel remarked that despite not having experience with supply chain, it was still a good fit for someone with his type of mechanical background obtained from military service.  He made sure to emphasize that there is a need for an increase in awareness among Veterans in order for them to understand the opportunities that await them.

"There are so many ways to go, so many ways to move up.  It's not just a job where you can get stuck at one level." 

Led by Norco College, the California State Academic Senate approved Supply Chain Technology (SCT) at its Spring Plenary session as a new academic discipline for the 112 community colleges in California.  

This development established the minimum qualifications required for faculty teaching in this discipline and will provide a welcome opportunity for additional CA Community Colleges to adopt courses and programs in the emerging area of supply chain technology.  Norco College hosts the National Center for Supply Chain Technology Education, funded by the National Science Foundation's ATE program, which developed an industry-led model academic program and academic resources.  Read The Final Resolution Visit: supplychainteched.org

On April 20, 2015 Norco College (Norco, California) hosted a dedicated group of change agents to tour the college’s supply chain lab and learn more about the work of the National Center for Supply Chain Technology Education.  The group, which included educators and industry partners representing the counties of Stanislaus and Modesto and professionals from MHI, a national trade association, is taking bold steps to give residents in the bi-county region a chance to break the cycle of poverty by training for high-growth, high-wage employment.  

Because the emerging occupation of Supply Chain Technician (SCT) is not yet classified under the O’Net system, measuring employer demand for these technicians presents a challenge for education providers that are trying to understand the size and importance of the need in their respective areas.    

In 2013 NCSCTE conducted a nationwide industry survey of 625 businesses to understand the labor market demand, skill requirements, and trends related to Supply Chain Technology.  This study, the first of its kind, became the basis for much of what the National Center has developed for use by educators in the classroom.  (The report can be accessed at http://supplychainteched.org/industrysurvey.html)

As a follow up to the Industry Survey’s statewide and national projections, SCTE is now releasing a guide for local education practitioners, How to Obtain Labor Market Information on Supply Chain Technology Industries and Occupations.  The Guide is designed to help local and regional educational institutions gather labor market information to inform the development of Supply Chain Technology Education programs and career pathways.  The Guide provides helpful tips on how to scope the research and search for data using public and private data sources.

Among the potential uses of the Guide are: identification of supply chain employers, developing employer partnerships, assessment and justification of the occupational need for starting or expanding a supply chain technology or mechatronics program, and evaluation of existing curricula against employer skill requirements.