Since 2018, Six S Partners has been proud to collaborate with Mohawk College as a key donor, providing Epicor ERP software to support the ongoing education of students in the Supply Chain program. This partnership is more than just a donation—it’s an investment in the future of the industry and a commitment to enhancing the quality of education for supply chain professionals. With over 900 students having gained hands-on experience with Epicor ERP, and the introduction of Kinetic ERP further enriching the curriculum, we are shaping the future workforce with modern tools that align with the needs of today’s industries.
Addressing the Skills Gap: A Vision for ERP in Education
The idea for this collaboration was born from a frustration with the outdated teaching tools used in many colleges and universities. In a world where supply chains are more complex and technology-driven than ever, relying on spreadsheets in education felt disconnected from the realities of the modern workplace. At Six S Partners, we realized that introducing ERP systems like Epicor into the curriculum was not just necessary—it was essential.
Many of our competitors had already begun seeding similar initiatives, and we saw this as an opportunity to lead the way. Our vision was clear: by equipping students with ERP experience, we could increase the number of “ERP-ready” graduates entering the marketplace. The goal is that many of these graduates, having had first-hand experience with Epicor, will gravitate toward our software in their professional careers.
As Epicor is not yet a household name, building brand recognition through education is critical. Each new graduate who leaves Mohawk College with experience in Epicor Kinetic represents a potential advocate for the software in the field, influencing future employers and helping us grow the brand.
Real-World Impact: From Classroom to Career
Through our collaboration, we have ensured that each year, approximately 300 students will gain hands-on experience with Epicor Kinetic, building on the success of training over 900 students to date. These students are not just learning the theory behind supply chain management—they are engaging with real-world ERP software that they will encounter in their future careers.
Our support goes beyond simply providing software. Six S Partners also offers technical assistance to Mohawk College, ensuring that their IT infrastructure can handle the demands of modern ERP systems. We provide this service at no cost, working closely with faculty to help them build and update curriculum materials that reflect the latest industry standards. This holistic approach ensures that students are not only exposed to Epicor but also taught how to use it in ways that align with current business practices.
The feedback from Mohawk College has been overwhelmingly positive. Instructors have incorporated real supply chain examples into their courses using Epicor, giving students practical knowledge they can apply immediately in the workplace. The success of this program has earned Six S Partners and Epicor a place on Mohawk’s prestigious top donor wall—a recognition of the value we have added to the education of both young and mature professionals.
Capturing Hearts and Minds: Building Loyalty Through Experience
Capturing Hearts and Minds: Building Loyalty Through ExperienceAt Six S Partners, we recognize that training students on Epicor Kinetic is just the first step. To truly build brand loyalty, we need to capture their hearts and minds. One of the ideas we’ve been exploring is to offer simple giveaways to each semester’s class—items that have staying power and can remind them of their experience with Epicor long after they graduate. These giveaways may seem like a small gesture, but they are a powerful way to keep the software at the forefront of students’ minds as they enter the workforce.
By creating this connection, we aim to foster a sense of loyalty and preference for Epicor, increasing the likelihood that these talented individuals will advocate for the software in their future workplaces. As they help their new employers mature and improve their business processes with ERP tools, Epicor’s influence will continue to grow.
A Vision for the Future: Expanding Across Canada
Our success with Mohawk College has inspired us to look westward. While the East has made strides in systems maturity, we believe there is significant potential for impact in Western Canada. We are exploring opportunities to replicate our program with a manufacturing-focused technical college in the West, where the need for ERP education may be even greater.
This expansion would not only help students in Western Canada gain valuable ERP experience, but it would also position Epicor as a leading solution in a region where systems maturity is still developing. As we continue to build partnerships with educational institutions across the country, we aim to create a pipeline of ERP-ready graduates who can drive innovation and efficiency in businesses nationwide.
Building Brand Recognition: A Press Release Worthy Initiative
With the growing number of students graduating with Epicor experience, we see this as a unique opportunity to further build the brand’s recognition. We are considering organizing a group photo of students outside Mohawk College to visually represent the impact Epicor is having on the next generation of supply chain professionals. This initiative could be the focus of a regional press release targeting Canadian manufacturing and other trade journals, showcasing how Epicor is becoming a key player in shaping the workforce.
The goal is clear: we want the business community to know that Epicor is not just another ERP solution, but a powerful tool that is already making a difference in the education and careers of future supply chain professionals.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Collaboration and Innovation
Our partnership with Mohawk College is a testament to what can be achieved when industry and academia work together. By providing Epicor ERP software, technical support, and curriculum development assistance, we are not just supporting education—we are investing in the future of supply chain management. With over 900 students already trained and 300 more each year gaining exposure to Epicor Kinetic, we are helping to create a new generation of professionals who will enter the workforce with the skills and confidence to succeed.
As we continue to expand our efforts, both in Eastern and Western Canada, we remain committed to building the Epicor brand and ensuring that businesses across the country benefit from the expertise of these graduates. Together with Mohawk College, we are shaping the future of supply chain education—and we are just getting started.