The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) recently collaborated with AIM Transportation Solutions for a hands-on, educational event at AIM’s Girard, Ohio headquarters. The goal of the program was to introduce young people to the wide variety of careers available in the trucking industry and spark interest in pursuing them in the future.
On June 24, about 50 children participated in the event, including local Girl Scout troops and the children of AIM employees. Attendees explored multiple aspects of trucking careers through WIT’s WITney Educational Trailer, which provided an interactive experience and a driving simulator to test basic truck operation skills.
“This event was truly a framework for success,” said Jenny Fall, WIT’s director of driver engagement. “Since planning began, the coordinators were full of energy and excitement about sharing careers in trucking with the young people in their community. By opening the program to not only the Girl Scouts but also the children of employees of AIM Transportation, so many others got to experience the activities and try out the driving simulator, testing their skills on the road. I always enjoy seeing the reaction from the kids as they start thinking that trucking might be a pretty cool thing to be a part of.”
Fall emphasized that AIM Transportation Solutions played a key role in making the event possible by hosting it at their headquarters. AIM, a full-service truck leasing company with operations across 16 states in the U.S., provided support and resources to help make the program engaging and educational.
“Aim is constantly seeking new ways to educate the next generation about the exciting opportunities within the trucking industry and the trades overall,” said Trisha Mosser, AIM Transportation’s business development manager and event coordinator. “My primary goal was to present information to my Girl Scout Troop to help them see trucking as a real, rewarding career path. What started as a small initiative quickly grew with the involvement of Aim employees and their children. Now, we have an entire group of young people inspired by how fun and empowering it can be to get behind the wheel of a truck. Mission accomplished!”
WIT has a long-standing relationship with the Girl Scouts of America. According to Fall, the association regularly partners with local councils to host educational events where girls can learn about the trucking industry and earn a WIT patch. These Girl Scout Patch Program events typically feature hands-on activities, interactive learning in the WITney Trailer, and opportunities to hear from women leaders in trucking.
Jenny Fall, WIT’s director of driver engagement, guides a young girl through the driving simulation inside the WITney trailer during the June 24 event. (Source: Women In Trucking)
The program emphasizes not only the career opportunities available in the industry but also the importance of safety around large vehicles. Since the first event in October 2014, more than 1,500 girls across the U.S. and Canada have participated and earned their WIT patches, gaining firsthand insight into the possibilities within the trucking field.
Image Source: Women In Trucking
Source: The Trucker, Women In Trucking
