Next Gen Trucking Talk with Lindsey Trent

Dave Dein, the CDL coordinator and instructor at Patterson High School in California, shares his experience with forming an advisory board for their truck driving program. The advisory board consists of local trucking companies who contribute to the program and help guide its development. They meet quarterly or every six months and have ongoing conversations outside of official meetings. The industry partners participate in various ways, including guest speaking, field trips, and drop-ins to interact with students. The advisory board meetings include reviewing previous notes, updates from instructors and students, and planning for the career fair available to all students. The logistics program also focuses on resume writing and interview skills with assistance from industry partners through mock interviews.
The career fair is an opportunity for students to showcase their preparedness and secure job offers. A wide variety of jobs are available for students, but some require them to be at least 18 years old. The logistics program educates industry partners about alternative ways to involve younger individuals in the industry. Students value career paths over just jobs because they offer advancement opportunities and learning experiences. Building relationships with employees through advisory boards helps retain talent and creates a sense of community. The CT director manages the advisory board, which includes scheduling meetings and providing lunch incentives. The president of the advisory board plays a crucial role in promoting programs across the district and supporting teachers by meeting specific needs like providing trucks or organizing gifts for students in need. It's important to have supportive members on the advisory board who share a passion for advancing education in trucking. Networking is key to finding suitable candidates, even salespeople can contribute valuable insights as part of an advisory board. Virtual meetings can make participation more convenient for industry professionals while still allowing face-to-face interactions when necessary.

1. Establishing an Advisory Board: Dave mentioned the importance of bringing in the trucking voice into the advisory board and finding local trucking companies that would embrace and contribute to the program. The action item would be for schools to identify relevant industry partners and invite them to join the advisory board.

2. Industry Participation: Dave emphasized the importance of industry partners being actively involved in the program. This involvement can include guest speaking engagements, field trips to industry sites, and drop-ins to interact with students. The action item would be for schools to encourage industry partners to participate in these activities to provide hands-on experiences and build relationships with students.

3. Networking and Finding Supportive Members: Dave emphasized the need to network within the industry to identify individuals who have a passion for the program and are willing to support it. The action item would be for schools to actively reach out to potential advisory board members, make connections, and invite those who are enthusiastic about the program to join the board.
4. Leveraging Advisory Board Support: Dave mentioned how he leaned on the advisory board for support when facing challenges, such as securing a running truck for teaching purposes.

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Jake Kepich is the Medium / Heavy Duty Truck Technician Instructor at the Center of Applied Technology North in Severn, MD. In this podast, Lindsey and Jake speak about Advisory Boards. His program is certified by ASE Education Foundation and AED Associated Equipment Distributors. It prepares students for the shift towards electric vehicles and hydrogen power in the industry. The advisory board plays an important role in the program's success, providing input, donations, and support. There are two advisory meetings per year where they discuss program updates, budget, and large purchases. The school holds an open house where employers showcase their businesses to prospective students and parents. Students can start training as a medium / heavy duty truck technician in their junior year after going through an application process. Summer internships are offered by some business partners of the program.
Jake also discusses various activities and programs that employers are implementing to engage students and recruit them for their industries. These include summer boot camps, apprenticeship fairs, and youth apprenticeship programs. He also mentions the age limit for participation in these programs and highlights the benefits of paid opportunities. Additionally, they discuss how advisory board meetings are managed, including both in-person and virtual options. They provide tips on communication with employers and share resources available on creating effective advisory committees. Overall, the focus is on promoting career paths in trucking for young people through engaging programs and partnerships with industry professionals.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Jake and His Background (00:)
Jake's introduction as a guest on NGT talks
Chapter 2: Transition to Electric Vehicles and Hydrogen Fuel Cells (03:)
Jake's focus on preparing students for electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells
Reasons for changing the program's name
Prioritization of technology shift
Chapter 3: History and Growth of the Program (04:)
Previous teachers at the Center of Applied Technology North
Challenges and gradual growth of the program
Importance of resources and advisory board support
Chapter 4: Structure and Role of the Advisory Board (07:)
Separation of the program and advisory board
Discussion of fall and spring meetings
Agenda and budget considerations
Interaction between advisory board members and students
Chapter 5: Open House and Employer Involvement (12:)
Open house and its participants (parents, employers, teachers, administrators)
Informal interaction and relationship building
Promotion of businesses through showcases
Chapter 6: Work-Based Learning Opportunities (14:)
Application and selection process for students
Pathways and prioritization
Summer internships and apprenticeships
Benefits and involvement of employers
Chapter 7: Apprenticeship Fair and Blueprint Money (21:)
Coordination of apprenticeship fair by the guidance department
Opportunities for students to discuss summer apprenticeships
Hours and training counted towards apprenticeship program
Chapter 8: Managing Advisory Board Meetings (24:)
Hybrid meetings (in-person and virtual options)
Communication and invitations through Outlook

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CJ discussed progression in obtaining truck driving licenses and emphasized the need for proper training before handling larger vehicles like road trains. CJ highlighted her unique lifestyle of flying to Western Australia to drive road trains at a gold mine.
She shed light on her involvement in a campaign creating awareness about truck drivers' needs on roads. This initiative aimed to improve communication between drivers and other road users. Additionally, CJ expressed her desire to educate others about truck driving intricacies like blind spots and vehicle weight considerations. She also emphasized health tips for truck drivers, including making healthy food choices and staying active through various activities like gym sessions and mountain biking.
Furthermore, CJ touched upon the challenges faced by long-haul drivers but stressed the industry's roles offer flexibility in schedules and home time options. Looking ahead, CJ expressed commitment to continuing in the transportation sector and exploring mentoring opportunities. She showcased a genuine passion for nurturing others, sharing anecdotes about inspiring individuals to pursue trucking careers. While uncertain about her future in ten years, CJ remains focused on happiness, health, financial security, and positive contributions to her community.
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Dave Brannon from Evans Delivery hosted a Touch A Truck event and received support from Ron Scholler of TransEdge, who donated a 2024 Volvo sleeper truck for the event. They discuss the importance of the trucking industry, especially in delivering essential goods. TransEdge is looking for diesel technicians to join their team as it plays a crucial role in keeping trucks on the road.
We discuss the opportunities and challenges in the diesel technician and trucking industry. There is a shortage of technicians and drivers, leading to longer dwell times for repairs. The industry offers good pay and a chance for career progression, but there is a need to attract younger people. Local schools are being contacted for apprenticeship programs, but the message about the industry needs improvement. Technicians with knowledge and experience are highly sought after, often leaving for higher-paying positions at other companies. However, with dedication and strategic planning, individuals can start their own trucking businesses and achieve success in the industry. Leasing or buying trucks both require good credit scores and two years of driving experience.
We also discuss options for maintenance and ownership of vehicles in the transportation industry and highlight the benefits of leasing and not having to take responsibility for repairs. Different paths, such as becoming an owner-operator or working with a company like TransEdge, are mentioned.
There is a lack of younger people entering the trucking industry is noted, despite its importance and opportunities. The need to promote trucking careers to high school students is emphasized.
The future of technology in trucks, specifically electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cells, is discussed. EVs are seen as a promising option for short-distance freight transport.
Ron Scholler discusses the benefits of electric vehicles in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mentions that renewable energy sources are being used more now than 30 years ago. They highlight the efficiency and lower carbon emissions of electric vehicles compared to traditional diesel trucks and also mentions the potential for job creation in the autonomous commercial vehicle industry. They discuss hydrogen fuel cells as a way to increase the range of electric vehicles, particularly in heavy-duty trucks. The transcript highlights the progress made in electric vehicle technology and its potential appeal to younger generations entering various roles within the industry. The speaker talks about their dealership's involvement with electric vehicles, including hosting an electric vehicle expo and becoming a certified dealership for battery-electric vehicles. They emphasize that while diesel trucks still make up a significant portion of their business, they are actively embracing new technologies. The conversation touches on future regulations aimed at further reducing emissions and predicts that by 2033, around 50% of heavy-duty trucks will be powered by alternative fuels or hybrid systems. The speakers mention attending events related to clean energy technologies and express excitement about advancements being made across multiple areas of truck technology, including polyfuels and low-carbon tires. They note that infrastructure needs to improve alongside these developments but express confidence in achieving goals set for emission reductions by 2030 or after.

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