In this episode, Lindsey talks with Jason Wang, the founder and CEO of Free World.  Jason discusses the significant challenges individuals with criminal histories face when reentering society. He highlights the financial struggles caused by low-paying jobs and mounting debts. Sharing his personal story, Jason opens up about growing up in poverty and enduring abuse, which led him down a dark path and eventually to incarceration. While in prison, he became involved in criminal justice reform, which later inspired him to establish Free World. The organization focuses on providing training for individuals seeking employment in the trucking industry, which offers short-term training programs, a driver shortage, and open opportunities for those with criminal records, all while offering living wages. The average age of participants is 39, and many have served around ten years behind bars before joining Free World's program. Jason also shares numerous success stories of graduates who have found stable employment and a fresh start through the program.

One success story highlights a formerly incarcerated individual who faced difficulty finding work after his release, eventually returning to criminal activities. However, after going through the Prison Entrepreneurship Program, he received training and earned his CDLA in just six weeks. This enabled him to secure a job that significantly improved his financial situation, allowing him to support his family. His success led to an offer from Free World, where he now works to help others impacted by the criminal justice system. Free World connects employers with qualified candidates from their program, addressing any concerns employers may have about hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds by offering support, financial incentives, and proof of their graduates' success. Employers can connect with Free World through their website or email. Jason also stresses the importance of providing reintegration opportunities to prevent recidivism and how companies can benefit from hiring these individuals, encouraging listeners to visit freeworld.org for more information. The conversation concludes with gratitude and an invitation to reach out to Jason for further details.

The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

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In this episode, Lindsey talks with Jake Kepich, the Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Technician Instructor at the Center of Applied Technology North in Severn, MD.  Jake discusses the vital role of Advisory Boards in his program. In this podcast, Lindsey and Jake explore how the program, certified by the ASE Education Foundation and AED Associated Equipment Distributors, is preparing students for the industry's shift toward electric vehicles and hydrogen power. The advisory board plays a crucial role in the program's success by providing valuable input, donations, and support. The board meets twice a year to review program updates, discuss the budget, and make decisions on large purchases. The school also holds an open house where employers showcase their businesses to prospective students and their families. Students can begin their training as medium/heavy-duty truck technicians as early as their junior year, following an application process, with some business partners offering summer internships to further enhance their learning experience.

Jake also highlights the various initiatives employers are using to engage students and recruit them into the industry. These initiatives include summer boot camps, apprenticeship fairs, and youth apprenticeship programs, with paid opportunities providing significant benefits for participants. He emphasizes the importance of these programs and discusses the age limits for participation. Additionally, they touch on how advisory board meetings are managed, with both in-person and virtual options available. The conversation also includes tips for effective communication with employers and shares resources for creating successful advisory committees. Ultimately, the discussion focuses on promoting career paths in the trucking industry for young people, leveraging engaging programs and strong partnerships with industry professionals to create opportunities and build the future workforce.

The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

Contact us at: [email protected]

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In this episode, Lindsey talks to Dave Brannon from Evans Delivery and Ron Scholler of TransEdge, who supported a Touch A Truck event by donating a 2024 Volvo sleeper truck. They discuss the critical role of the trucking industry in delivering essential goods and the pressing need for diesel technicians. With a shortage of both technicians and drivers, repair times are increasing, yet the industry offers competitive pay and opportunities for career advancement. One of the challenges is attracting younger workers, prompting outreach to local schools for apprenticeship programs. Experienced technicians are in high demand but often leave for higher-paying positions. Despite these challenges, they highlight how with dedication and planning, individuals can find success, even by starting their own trucking businesses.

https://www.transedgetruck.com/

https://evansdelivery.com/

The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

Contact us at: [email protected]

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In this episode, Lindsey talks with Mee Hee Smith, Early Career Manager at XPO.  Mee Hee discusses her background and the role she plays in the company, explaining that XPO created her position to focus on talent pipelining and building strong partnerships with local communities. She highlights the importance of workforce boards and their involvement in training programs for the trucking industry. Mee Hee also shares the success of XPO’s internship program and the company’s efforts to retain talent through initiatives like "Grow at XPO," a talent management program designed to support employee development.

XPO recently made a significant impact at the National Truck Driver Championship (NTDC), sending 41 drivers, the largest number in the company’s history. With a fleet of over 13,000 drivers, XPO invests heavily in its workforce, providing training opportunities like tuition reimbursement and hosting events such as their upcoming Master Tech Competition, where 20 technicians will compete for a grand prize of $5,000. Creating a strong company culture is a key focus for XPO, especially in attracting younger generations. They are actively engaging with communities, offering tours of their facilities, and fostering relationships with local schools to raise awareness about careers in trucking. Over the next five years, XPO aims to be the talent magnet of the industry, continuing to innovate and build partnerships to ensure a robust pipeline of diverse talent. By connecting with K-12 education systems and community partners, XPO hopes to inspire future generations to pursue rewarding careers in the trucking industry.

www.xpo.com
https://www.xpo.com/work-with-us/

LinkedIn
Mee Hee Smith - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meeheesmith/

The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

Contact us at: [email protected]

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Can data and technology marry to create a platform that brings the best quality driver  candidates to work for you?  In this episode, Lindsey talks with Kyle Soukup from Trucker Recruiters.  Kyle is disrupting the trucking industry through the new platform his team has built to provide the best possible candidate to fill driver positions.      

"But that's one of the fundamental components of Trucker Recruiters. And that's really where the platform comes in handy, and retention increases drastically. Our platform, if you're a motor carrier, you come on, give us your hiring criteria, and give us your open positions. Our system matches you with pre-screened and fully vetted Class A driver applicants who fit that criteria. Both parties, driver and carrier, opt into that opportunity. When you give both driver and carrier various options, allow both parties to opt in and engage in that job or that position; that's what yields higher retention and a better overall quality placement. We are a matching algorithm that is filled with various data components. The platform can excel utilizing these data science components to identify the ideal matches for a driver, allowing the placement quality to be where it needs to be."

Contact Kyle Soukup from Trucker Recruiters at [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-soukup/

The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

Contact us at: [email protected]

Follow us on socials here:
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Can data and technology marry to create a platform that brings the best quality driver  candidates to work for you?  Kyle Soukup from Trucker Recruiters is disrupting the trucking industry through the new platform his team has built to provide the best possible candidate to fill driver positions.      

 "But that's one of the fundamental components of Trucker Recruiters. And that's really where the platform comes in handy, and retention increases drastically. Our platform, if you're a motor carrier, you come on, give us your hiring criteria, and give us your open positions. Our system matches you with pre-screened and fully vetted Class A driver applicants who fit that criteria. Both parties, driver and carrier, opt into that opportunity. When you give both driver and carrier various options, allow both parties to opt in and engage in that job or that position; that's what yields higher retention and a better overall quality placement. We are a matching algorithm that is filled with various data components. The platform can excel utilizing these data science components to identify the ideal matches for a driver, allowing the placement quality to be where it needs to be."

Contact Kyle Soukup from Trucker Recruiters at [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-soukup/

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

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In this episode, Lindsey talks with Eric Sauer, President and CEO of the California Trucking Association.  They discuss the importance of truck driver appreciation events and recognizing the trucking industry's vital contribution to the economy. Eric shares his passion for the industry and the work of the California Trucking Association, one of the largest state trucking associations in the nation. They touch on various issues such as regulations, workforce development, environmental concerns, and funding initiatives for CDL training programs, including a bill that’s progressing through the Assembly to increase funding for CDL programs in California. They also discuss the shortage of diesel technicians and efforts to partner with schools to create more opportunities for graduates. The Truck Driving Championships in California are highlighted as an important event that showcases the industry’s significance. They emphasize the need to attract younger generations to trucking by raising awareness, improving pay rates, and increasing exposure through education programs. The conversation also explores advancements in technology, such as autonomous trucking, and the ongoing efforts to address the driver shortage by creating more opportunities and improving workforce outreach.

https://www.caltrux.org/

The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

Contact us at: [email protected]

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In this episode, Lindsey talks with Sheri Call from the Washington Trucking Association.  They focused on several key initiatives aimed at addressing current challenges and opportunities within the trucking industry. WTA announced a new legislation for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training grant program with renewed funding of $6 million over the next two years, which will now also support training for mechanics, forklift drivers, and supply chain workers. Discussions included the launch of a high school trucking program and strategies to combat the technician shortage through monthly virtual sessions organized by the Technology and Maintenance Council, which will cover topics such as transitioning to electric trucks and efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The meeting also highlighted a unanimous passing of the 'Share the Road' bill for novice driver education, set for implementation in 2024. Key action items include expanding access to driver training programs and organizing ongoing discussions on fleet maintenance and workforce development.

https://watrucking.org/

The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

Contact us at: [email protected]

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In this episode, Lindsey talks with Stephen Crepps, from Fairdale High School.  They explore how Fairdale High School successfully established their Diesel Technician Advisory Board and how they are fostering meaningful partnerships with employers to benefit students. The recent Educational Discussion and Best Practices Sharing meeting focused on the formation and effectiveness of advisory boards in high schools, with a spotlight on Fairdale's Diesel Tech program. Key insights included the crucial role of industry employers in shaping student career readiness through structured advisory meetings that seamlessly integrate with recruiting events. Attendees discussed the value of work-based learning opportunities, highlighting the success of co-op programs that allow students as young as 16 to gain hands-on experience and even secure full-time employment. The meeting also covered annual events like career fairs and skills showcases, where students can demonstrate their abilities to potential employers. Emphasis was placed on effective communication and strategic scheduling to ensure advisory board activities align with other school events, fostering open dialogue among instructors, students, and employers. Action items included encouraging more companies to join advisory boards and exploring co-op opportunities for younger students, while being mindful of community events when planning schedules.

The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

Contact us at: [email protected]

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In this episode, Lindsey sits down with Hans Galland and Kay from Beyond Trucks to discuss the ongoing digital transformation in the trucking industry, highlighting the need for companies to embrace a 'digital native' approach to improve operational efficiency. Hans Galland leads the conversation, shedding light on the generational challenges trucking companies face, particularly in adopting new technologies amid shifting views on business success. They delve into the impact of integrating advanced data systems and the growing shift toward cloud-based solutions, while also addressing the cybersecurity risks tied to outdated practices. The discussion emphasizes how technology can play a key role in attracting and retaining Gen Z talent, stressing the importance of user-friendly systems that promote a healthier work-life balance. Key takeaways include the need for better education on the benefits of digital tools, strategies to navigate generational transitions, and improved information flow to enhance driver retention, all with a focus on maintaining a human-centric approach during technological advancements.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansgalland/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaymakishi/
https://www.beyondtrucks.com/

The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

Contact us at: [email protected]

Follow us on socials here:
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