Together with the European Materials Handling Federation (FEM) and five other partner companies, Toyota Material Handling Europe is pleased to take part in the ‘The Smart Logistics Challenge’ – a joint initiative designed to connect with university students by giving them the chance to put forward their ideas on the most exciting trends transforming the industry.
Currently in the midst of selecting finalists of the third Toyota Logistic Design Competition and the first Toyota Logistic Engineering Challenge, Toyota Material Handling has been organising student competitions since 2014. “We have started this journey to encourage young talent to come up with fresh ideas, to coach them, and even give them the opportunity to experience what it’s like to work in the material handling business. Initiatives like this definitely enrich our look into future trends and customer needs, which makes us excited to join FEM in organising this competition at an industry level,” says Matthias Fischer, President and CEO, Toyota Material Handling Europe.
Toyota Material Handling Europe is therefore inviting all students at European universities to participate in the Smart Logistics Challenge. The best and brightest young minds are welcome to get to know the material handling industry, an enabler of e-commerce and Industry 4.0, better and achieve the common goal to “deliver tomorrow”.
The Smart Logistics Challenge asks students to tackle one of three case studies: Enablers of E-commerce, Cobotics in Logistics 4.0, or Logistics in a Sharing Economy – each one requiring a forward-looking and solution-oriented approach.
The competition is open to both engineering and business students, as companies increasingly require a holistic mindset and diverse skill set from their people in order to stay competitive.
“We believe it is our duty as an industry association to make sure young people know about the exciting opportunities on offer in the world of material handling,” explains Christophe Lautray, FEM President. “Since we are not a consumer industry, it is harder to reach this important group. Yet today’s students represent the future of everything we do – which is why I have made engaging with young talent a priority of my mandate as FEM President. And I believe a competition is an extremely fun and engaging way to do it.”
Entries will be accepted from 15 December until 30 March. 30 finalists will go on to the next round, where they will be mentored by industry experts in order to move their concepts to completion.
The six winners will receive a paid traineeship with one of the partner companies, plus a VIP invitation to the FEM Congress – the leading European congress of the material handling industry. An awards ceremony will shine a spotlight on their achievements in front of industry leaders, while special events like the CEO lunch, gala dinner and cultural tour will make this trip a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to put the students on the fast track for a successful career in this dynamic industry.
You can find out more about the competition at www.smartlogisticschallenge.eu and join the conversation on social media by using #DeliverTomorrow.
