At Aim Transportation Solutions’ headquarters in Girard, Ohio, the rumble of big rigs was joined by the laughter of kids as the company hosted its first “I Want to Work in Trucking When I Grow Up” event—designed to spark interest in commercial driving from a young age.
The special career day invited local children, including a Girl Scout troop and employees’ families, to get a firsthand look at what life is really like behind the wheel. From climbing into the cab of a semi to test-driving a high-tech simulator, the experience blended fun with future-focused learning.
Kids explored sleeper berths, played with balloon-powered trucks, and raced through hands-on craft activities. But at the heart of it all was a powerful message: trucking is a path worth exploring—and it’s never too early to be curious about where it can take you.
“We wanted to open kids’ eyes to career paths they might not hear about in school,” said Jessica Bochy-Deane, Aim’s Vice President of Marketing. “College is a great path for many, but it’s not the only one. Skilled trades like trucking offer fulfilling, stable careers right here in their communities. This was about expanding horizons and sparking curiosity.”
One of the biggest hits of the day was the WITney simulator trailer from the Women In Trucking Association. The immersive driving experience lets kids safely navigate turns, braking, and other road challenges behind a virtual wheel, offering a realistic taste of what truck driving involves.
Getting WITney to Girard took some real-life trucking hustle. Amanda DeMartinis, Aim’s Assistant Safety Director and a former driver, personally hauled the simulator up from Tennessee to make sure the kids got the full experience.
“It’s not always about a four-year degree,” said DeMartinis. “Trucking gave me a career I’m proud of — full of independence, new places, and challenges that built my confidence. I want kids to know there are many ways to succeed.”
Throughout the day, Aim team members—from dispatch to operations—shared their own paths into the industry, helping kids (and their parents) understand just how many different opportunities exist beyond the driver’s seat.
Jenny Fall, Director of Driver Engagement and Women in Trucking at Aim, joined DeMartinis in helping kids navigate the simulator and learn about life on the road. For the young girls in attendance, the impact was especially significant.
“A lot of girls just aren’t exposed to trucking as a career path,” said Trisha Mossor, Aim’s Business Development Manager and leader of the visiting Girl Scout troop. “Events like this help them see it’s a real option, and one they can be excited about.”
Scott Fleming, Aim’s President, reinforced the bigger vision behind the event. “Trucking is built on hard work, determination, and opportunity,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where you start—if you bring the right attitude, you can go far in this industry. Showing kids that message early, in a hands-on and fun way, is how we help build the future.”
Before heading home, each child received a custom Women In Trucking Girl Scout patch—a small keepsake with big meaning, marking what may be their first step toward a career that moves the world.
Image Source: Aim Transportation Solutions
Source: Truckers News
