Discovery Day 2025: Connecting Students to Supply Chain Careers
Over 100 middle and high school students discovered material handling and supply chain careers at MHI’s Career Center stop during Discovery Day 2025—and for many, it was the first time they realized this industry even existed.
By Pahola Capellán, MHI Workforce Development Manager
Many students have a newfound interest in the supply chain, thanks to Discovery Day 2025. Held November 5th at Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the event brought together 10,000 attendees and 200+ exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge robotics and AI technology.
MHI participated as a Career Center stop and sponsored the Networking Lounge—positioning supply chain careers alongside Pittsburgh’s booming tech ecosystem.
“I thought supply chain was just driving trucks,” said Marcus Chen, a high school junior from Penn Hills. “But after seeing all the robotics stuff here, I see there is so much technology.”
Marcus wasn’t alone. Throughout the day, students who came for robots and AI discovered that supply chain is the foundation that makes it all work.
Why Discovery Day Matters
Discovery Day created something most students never experience: a direct line of sight from “what’s cool” to “where I could work.”
As a Career Center stop, MHI’s team engaged with rotating groups of students throughout the day. Students weren’t just observing technology, they were discovering the industry that makes it all possible and connecting it directly with the companies and the people making it happen.
MHI Members Were Front and Center
Throughout the convention center, students encountered technology from seven MHI member companies actively exhibiting— Seegrid, Bosch Rexroth (elmo div.), Sick, Leuze, Advanced Motion Controls, Agility Robotics, Gather AI, and Yaskawa.
When students asked, “Where would I actually work?” the answer was everywhere they looked. The robots navigating the floor, the automation systems on display, the AI platforms powering demonstrations, all representing MHI member companies and areas of the industry students can pursue.
That tangible connection between awareness and opportunity is what workforce development is all about.
Building More Than Just Awareness
MHI’s presence at Discovery Day wasn’t just about inspiring students. It was about building a complete talent pipeline:
→ Awareness: Students learned about career pathways in supply chain
→ Education: We promoted MHEFI scholarships (applications open through January 31, 2026)
→ Experience: We invited eligible students to Student Day at MODEX 2026
→ Careers: We directed students to MHI member companies exhibiting at the event
MHI’s team emphasized that there are multiple pathways into the industry. When one student mentioned she wasn’t planning on college, the conversation shifted to skilled trades opportunities—technicians, welders, machinist, operators—showing her that supply chain offers careers for every educational path.
One student conversation at Discovery Day can lead to a scholarship application, a Student Day attendance, an internship, and ultimately a career at an MHI member company.
The next generation of supply chain talent is out there, we just need to show them the opportunities that exist.
Get Involved
For Members:
• Join us as a Tour Guide or host a tour stop for Student Day at MODEX 2026!
• Interested in becoming a Workforce Champion? Contact pcapellan@mhi.org.
Related:
→ Check out our Workforce Development page
→ Student Day at MODEX 2026
→ MHEFI scholarships
→ Supplychaincareers.org
