Knorr-Bremse Global Care North America is investing in the future of trucking with a generous $127,760 grant to support The Next Generation in Trucking Foundation and its affiliate organization, the Next Generation in Trucking Association (NGT). NGT plans on utilizing this funding to create an accessible curriculum for high schools interested in introducing their students to professional driving. With no cost involved, aspiring drivers will have access to invaluable resources as they embark on their journey toward success.
A national transportation, distribution and logistics industry initiative is gaining momentum with the help of a grant from NGT. Collaborating with Education Development Centre (EDC), an international non-profit located in Waltham Massachusetts, this project will create a one-year online modular high school curriculum for commercial learner’s permit standards endorsed by ELDT. It’s been designed to meet targeted career paths within that sector while incorporating materials developed by David Dein – co founder & vice president at NGT – into its program structure. Testing has already begun in field trials as part of the overall vision which looks ahead towards further development over time along these lines.
“Developing this coursework is an on-ramp to establishing and delivering a skilled, diverse, and equitable workforce that meets the 21st century needs of the industry,” said Lindsey Trent, co-founder and president of NGT. “We’re grateful for the support of community-focused organizations like KBGCNA and industry leaders like Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Bendix), which will open up incredible opportunities for students, beginning in particular with those in schools serving economically disadvantaged communities.”
In 2023, teachers across the nation will have access to a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip high school students with an in-depth understanding of driving laws and best practices. The innovative online course is tailored for use in traditional classroom settings as well as virtual environments, offering experiential and inquiry based modules that prepare them for their official test – enabling them to obtain their permit when they reach eighteen.
“Trucking is an essential and dynamic industry, and Knorr-Bremse Global Care North America and Bendix enthusiastically support efforts that encourage young people to explore its potential and become a part of it,” said Maria Gutierrez, president of KBGCNA and senior director of environmental, social and governance at Bendix. “KBGCNA centers its investments on initiatives supporting youth, education, and underprivileged populations. We embrace the Next Generation in Trucking Association’s aim to reach high schools in areas where many students and families may be struggling economically.”
NGT is helping to bridge the gap in high school education by introducing a program tailored specifically for transportation and logistics career pathways. Not only will this provide students with newfound opportunities, but it can also assist trucking companies who are looking to hire young employees until they meet interstate driving qualifications. To further promote younger drivers’ careers, NGT can also help get them employed with a carrier in the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program. These initiatives will help companies create more pathways that lead to interstate driver careers for 18-, 19-, and 20-year olds who want to break into the industry.
“Our industry is facing an unprecedented shortage of almost 80,000 drivers,” said Trent. “Considering the fact that 71.4% of all freight travels by truck in the United States, the average age of a new entrant truck driver is 35 and the average age of a truck driver is 54 years old, we need to step up and take action. That’s why NGT was created, to tap into the growing number of young people who do not want to go to college and who are seeking alternatives that can provide good careers with stable incomes.”
KBGCNA, a U.S.-based arm of the Knorr-Bremse philanthropic entity from Munich, Germany recently granted funds to Avon Ohio’s Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC. One of top three North American companies in support for Knorr-Bremse, Bendix is renowned as leader in active safety and air management solutions within commercial vehicle industries. The facilitation process will be spearheaded by two co-champions appointed amongst directors associated with the company who have taken upon this challenge.
“Education that results in gainful employment is our goal – to improve the lives of youth in need and to give them a chance to live an independent life. Trucking can be a lifeline of many sorts, and programs like this one have the ability to be life-changing for generations to come,” said Gutierrez.
Source: truckinginfo
