I work in the supply chain” is often followed by “what’s that?” or “what do you do?” Or it can bring to mind negative stereotypes of workers spending endless hours in dark, dingy factories.
The reality is that supply chains are global enterprises led by a diverse group of professionals that utilize innovation, creativity and smart thinking to not only drive operational efficiency but to keep the economy going. Supply chain careers are some of the most rewarding and highly-compensated jobs that are now being seen as the new path to the C-suite.
Another reality is that while more than 11 million people work in the supply chain, 8.6% of the nation’s workforce, a shortage of skilled supply chain workers remains. An estimated 600,000 manufacturing positions in the U.S. are unfilled for a lack of qualified workers. In addition, the “U.S. Roadmap for Material Handling & Logistics” predicts that, between now and 2018, there will be 1.4 million new jobs in the logistics and supply chain field.
As a leader in the material handling and supply chain industry, MHI is launching a new awareness campaign designed to not only promote manufacturing and supply chain as an innovative and rewarding career choice but to change the perception of jobs in the industry. The goal of the #iWorkInTheSupplyChain campaign is to connect, engage and inspire next-generation workers to pursue manufacturing and supply chain careers.
The campaign was launched with a video titled #iWorkInTheSupplyChain that tells the unique stories of a variety of manufacturing and supply chain professionals. The video can be viewed at iWorkInTheSupplyChain.com.
MHI is inviting all who work in manufacturing and the supply chain to join this campaign and share what they proudly do in their career. MHI has created an interactive Blog atiWorkInTheSupplyChain.com where professionals can join the conversation, tell their unique stories, upload videos and connect with other manufacturing and supply chain professionals.
Supply chain professionals can also utilize social media to spread the word. They can Tweet, take a picture, shoot a video or send a message to share their unique story and the difference their job makes in the world by using the #iWorkInTheSupplyChain hashtag.
“New and emerging manufacturing and supply chain technologies are requiring highly-sophisticated skillsets an equally sophisticated, well-trained and well-paid workforce,” said George Prest, MHI CEO. “Because supply chains work behind the scenes, you only hear about them when there is a disruption. We, as an industry, have to do a better job communicating the amazing and rewarding career opportunities available. That’s the goal of this campaign.”
The 2016 MHI Face of the Supply Chain
Supply chain professionals who share their story at iWorkInTheSupplyChain.com can enter to become the 2016 MHI Face of the Supply Chain. This award will honor a supply chain professional whose personal story demonstrates the hard work, creative-thinking and a commitment to innovation it takes to succeed in this industry. The winner will be announced at MODEX 2016, April 4-7 in Atlanta.
