The Power Transmission Distributors Assn.'s Educational & Scholastic Foundation is well on its way to success in developing its "Industrial Careers Pathway" plan to help recruit and educate entry-level employees in the industrial distribution channel. The program is an excellent one, but in order for it to expand and achieve its full potential, it needs the support and financial help from other associations, as well as manufacturers and distributors.

The Foundation began planning for the program a few years ago when it recognized the need for entry-level employees in the industrial distribution field. The plan includes an initiative to recruit and educate entry-level employees, and to develop a program to teach technical and distribution basics.

The core curriculum, which is being implemented at community colleges, focuses on areas important to distribution while using electives to deliver product-specific education for certain segments. Those segments include introduction to distribution, principles of marketing, and mechanical and fluid power transmission basics.

As of last fall, 39 students had been enrolled in two pilot programs at Henry Ford Community College in Detroit, and Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Neb. Students are expected to begin classes this spring at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland. The other pilot sites being targeted are in Orlando, Fla., Minneapolis and Philadelphia, as well as two locations in Canada. PTDA has hired a full-time project director and a part-time executive director, and is looking to market the program to potential schools and build support in the distribution community. The Foundation hopes to have 40 community colleges on board throughout North America by 2008.

PTDA's Dave Witwer, the 2004 Foundation president, points out that this will be a costly proposition, and that funds are badly needed to keep the program expanding.

It's important to note that this program is not limited to the power transmission/motion control market. This will ultimately be a boon to the entire industry.

The project is worthy of support. As I've said before, distribution is still a well-kept secret. Finding qualified people is never easy, and this is an important step toward helping resolve that problem. Congratulations to PTDA and its Educational & Scholastic Foundation Board of Directors for getting this program up and running. If you'd like more information on the program, or wish to make a contribution, please call the Foundation office at (312) 876-9461.

jkeough@reedbusiness.com