ICP Connects Industrial Distributors with Technically-Minded, Future Employees at Skills USA and Skills Canada Events
Chicago, IL — Industrial distributor members from three different Industrial Careers Pathway® (ICP) Alliance Partner associations met with hundreds of technically-minded students, and their instructors, June 24-26 at the SkillsUSA TECHSPO in Kansas City, Mo. and June 5–6 at the Skills Canada National Competition in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. These events involve competitions and promote careers in skilled trades and technologies to students. They provide ICP a great way to spread the word about the rewarding careers available in the field of industrial distribution.
SkillsUSA TECHSPO is North America’s largest trade show for career and technical education. It celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and had over 6,000 students compete in 99 occupational and leadership skill areas. Attended by more than 14,000 students, teachers and school administrators from high schools, technical/vocational colleges and training programs, SkillsUSA offers ICP a perfect opportunity to engage in face-to-face conversations.
Attendees at SkillsUSA were introduced to the field of industrial distribution by Mary Jawgiel, ICP® program director, Brett Powell, sales manager from Midland Metal Manufacturing Company and Al Kelly, vice president sales and Scott Assyia, general manager from Hanna Rubber Company. Midland Metal Manufacturing Company and Hanna Rubber Company are members of ICP Alliance Partner association NAHAD–the Association for Hose and Accessories Distribution. Kelly notes “I enjoyed talking with the students and educators about the opportunities in industrial distribution. There is interest in the industry but lack of awareness. These types of events allow us to share our passion for what we do.”
Also meeting students at the ICP exhibit at Skills USA was Jennifer Pursell, human capital manager from Central States Group, a member of ICP Alliance Partner association the American Supply Association (ASA). “I was blown away by the size of the event, the number of competitions, and by the intelligence, maturity and focus on career pathways of the students,” noted Pursell. She continues, “Our industry is in good hands with these bright kids entering the workplace.”
At the Skills Canada National Competition, 500 of Canada’s best trade and technology students and apprentices put their skills to the test in 43 distinct competitions, including: plumbing, heavy equipment service, welding, architectural technology and robotics. In addition to the instructors, advisors and judges attending, middle and high schools from the local area brought their students to see the exhibitors and learn more about possible career opportunities.
At this event, Jawgiel was joined by Michele Boulter, customer service manager, Jeff Diggle, branch manager and Kevin Holmes, operations manager from Motion Industries (Canada) Inc. Motion Industries (Canada) Inc. is a member company of the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), which founded ICP through its PTDA Foundation.
Diggle, speaking for all three, noted “Skills Canada offers the opportunity to speak directly to future job candidates. So many of those attending had no real idea of what industrial distribution is. After talking with a real industrial distributor, the students have a better idea of the career potential in the field and what industrial distributors really do. We all enjoyed the time we spent at the ICP exhibit booth.”
ICP is a multifaceted North American workforce initiative supported by an alliance of industry associations. ICP links students and job seekers to career paths in industrial distribution and manufacturing through partnerships with local educators and employers. For more information, visit industrialcareerspathway.org, contact ICP at [email protected] or +1.312.516.2100. Follow ICP on Twitter at @IDCareersOrg.
