Chicago, IL — ICP is getting in front of the next generation of industrial distribution employees. Working with instructor Kim Sievert-DiSanto, career discovery teacher and work coordinator for Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights, MN, ICP set up tours at two St. Paul, MN distributors.
Tours are a great way for students to see firsthand what industrial distributors do. Two classes from Simley High School had a tour of either Motion Industries’ St. Paul branch in February or BDI’s St. Paul branch in March. Kim thought the tours were helpful as a first-step in getting the students to better understand the field of industrial distribution. Kim stated, “Students did not quite understand how businesses interact and work together—they thought the branch we visited was the only location. They did not quite understand that Motion Industries and BDI distribute products as well as provide technical assistance. It was a definite learning experience for both classes.”
Those accommodating the high school students thought it was time well-spent with some of their future employees. Jay Meier, branch manager at Motion Industries in St. Paul, Minn. noted “The students came prepared with some great questions about our business and our company. I enjoyed interacting with them. I think this was a great experience not only for them, but for us as well. I’d be happy to do it again.” Similar sentiments were expressed by Jody Root, North Plains district manager for BDI. Jody said, “It was fun, but the time passed way too quickly. There was so much more I could have covered regarding industrial distribution jobs and all that they entail, but we only had an hour. It was not only fun for the students, but for me as well.” Jody has agreed to host another tour for a different Minnesota school district in May.
Industrial Careers Pathway® (ICP) is a multifaceted North American workforce initiative supported by an alliance of ASA, ISA Education Foundation, NAHAD and the PTDA Foundation. Addressing the need for a skilled industrial distribution, manufacturing sales and customer service workforce for today and tomorrow, ICP links students and job seekers through partnerships with local educators and employers. For more information, visit www.industrialcareerspathway.org, email ICP at [email protected] or call +1.312.516.2100. Follow ICP on Twitter at @IDCareersOrg.
