Lindsay Wiggins / CVG Airport / March 2, 2021

The logistics and supply chain industry is growing around the world, particularly here in the Cincinnati region and at CVG Airport, with cargo operations growing at record pace. That growth is accompanied by additional workforce needs. Several community partners and employers on CVG’s campus have risen to the occasion in working together to implement a dual-credit program for high school students in Northern Kentucky. The program not only builds the workforce pipeline but ensures students are receiving work-based learning in this high-demand sector.

The program is unique – a true collaborative effort. Partners include:

• Gateway Community Technical College for the dual-credit piece
• River Cities Schools, including Bellevue, Dayton, Newport, Lloyd, Holmes, Ludlow, and The Ignite Institute (Boone/Kenton County high schools)
• NaviGo Career and College Prep
• Several businesses, including CVG Airport, Atlas Air, and DHL.

This program allows juniors and seniors at participating schools to take dual-credit classes, including introduction to logistics management (LOM 100), which is an overview of general logistics concepts and organizational issues; inventory management and customer service in logistics; and transportation third party logistics. Another class is LOM 102, which presents an overview of supply chain management and financial analysis; inventory management skills and techniques; and supply chain design and sustainability solutions.

Co-op Program

A co-op rotation is the final piece of the program, allowing students to encounter true work-based learning experiences building upon the skills learned in the classroom and providing the opportunity for full-time employment in entry level roles upon graduation. CVG employers participate in the co-op program by hiring and paying students for their time. At the end of the two-year program, students graduate with college credit and have earned work-based learning experiences, as well as industry certifications (Certified Logistics Associate and/or Certified Logistics Technician.)

Airport employers hired co-ops from the River Cities Schools in spring 2020. Those employers included Atlas Air, DHL, CVG Airport and Wayfair. All co-ops at DHL were offered full-time positions. Five students accepted the offer and began their careers in aviation supply chain. In fact, one student continued to work hard and has been promoted to a lead position in less than a year. Success stories like these are not uncommon for airport and educational partnerships.

The pandemic has impacted many employers, and there is an even greater need to provide work-based learning experiences in the logistics and supply chain. As of February 2021, DHL has nine co-op students, Wayfair has one student and Atlas Air has three co-op students from the Ignite Institute.

These learning experiences are helping students gain skills to be work ready, all while building a stronger workforce and ensuring educational equity among several Northern Kentucky school districts.

The program continues to gain momentum. More employers are participating in work-based learning opportunities, and more students are considering dual-enrollment classes to jump start their careers.

Photo: Participating co-op students worked at CVG Airport's DHL location in 2020. Photo courtesy of DHL

Get Involved

If you are a school district who wants to talk with CVG about partnership opportunities, contact Lindsay Wiggins with CVG Airport at lwiggins@cvgairport.com.

If you are a student or parent interested in getting involved in this program, contact Lorraine O’Moore, NKY College & Career Connector at NaviGo at lomoore@learning-grove.org.