Few students say that they want to be logistics professionals when they grow up. However, demand has never been higher in a global economy driven increasingly by online commerce.
A unique partnership between the Port of Long Beach and Long Beach Unified School District is providing high school students with training and professional experience to learn about career pathways available in logistics and related industries — with the goal of establishing a pathway to higher education.
The Port of Long Beach Academy of Global Logistics was founded in 2016 and is housed at Cabrillo High School.
The program prepares high school students for careers in global trade and logistics through a combination of academic training and work-based learning activities.
Students who complete the academy are eligible for entry-level jobs right out of high school or continue on to obtain certificates and degrees from Long Beach City College (LBCC) and California State University Long Beach. Internships with trucking, warehousing, and other relevant sectors are available throughout the pathway, including at the Port of Long Beach itself.
Cal State Long Beach, Center for International Trade & Transportation (CITT) supports the partnership by helping to design the structure of the academy and by providing technical support and subject matter expertise to teachers to develop curriculum and activities for the classroom.
“The program is designed to help students make informed decisions to either attend a 2- or 4-year college or perhaps pursue additional training through certificates and certifications,” said Angeli Logan, Director of Trade and Transportation Programs at Cal State Long Beach. “We hope that through the academy, students develop an understanding of the different opportunities related to trade and transportation and the different skills, knowledge, and abilities required.”
With additional training at LBCC or at CITT, students can pursue opportunities in warehousing, freight forwarding, customer service, to name a few.
Through the Long Beach Promise, students can receive one year of free tuition at Long Beach City College and are guaranteed admission to Cal State Long Beach. Katie Mishler, ATL Deputy Sector Navigator for the Los Angeles Region, attended a mentor meeting with students and employers this spring.
“It was inspiring to see students excited to continue their education and pursue careers in logistics, a fast growing field with a wide array of career potential and professional growth,” Mishler said. “Exposing students to career opportunities and giving them targeted industry exposure is essential to fill these in-demand jobs for the future—excellent work!”
Learn more about the Academy of Global Logistics here.
