The event is designed to ensure that the tools used to prepare students are not only available, but implemented the right way, from day one through program completion.

From a Single Program to a National Framework

The trucking program at Patterson High School became the starting point for a much greater effort. As the program evolved, a key question emerged: how could its structure and success be shared in a way that other schools could realistically follow?

The answer became a comprehensive curriculum guide.

Three years ago, NGT secured grant funding, supported in part by the Knorr-Bremse Group and the PepsiCo Foundation. Working alongside the Education Development Center, the association developed a free, turnkey curriculum designed to support both new and experienced instructors.

The guide laid out an entire program framework from start to finish, offering schools a tangible roadmap instead of isolated lesson ideas.

Why the Guide Alone Was Not Enough

Providing a curriculum without instruction on how to use it created another challenge.

“We see the curriculum guide in the same way we see giving a new driver information on how to drive a truck: A little information can be deadly if not fully understood and mastered before going out onto the road.”

Leaving implementation open to interpretation would have undermined the goal. That realization led directly to the creation of Train the Trainer.

Inside the Train the Trainer Experience

Launched alongside the curriculum guide, Train the Trainer is a two-day, in-person event held annually at Patterson High School. The focus is not just on what to teach, but how to teach it.

Participants work through the curriculum section by section, gaining hands-on exposure to program components such as simulator instruction, distracted driving demonstrations, and DUI awareness exercises using golf carts. They also have opportunities to speak directly with program graduates, offering real world perspective on how the training translates beyond the classroom.

Equally important is the network that forms during the event. Educators arrive from across the country, creating connections that often continue long after the training ends. Those relationships provide ongoing support, idea sharing, and reassurance for those building or expanding programs.

This year’s Train the Trainer event will be held June 1 to 2, 2026, in Patterson, California. Registration is available online at nextgentrucking.org/train-the-trainer.

Lessons That Reshaped the Program

The first year Train the Trainer was offered revealed an unexpected gap.

“I thought we were going to be teaching truck driving. I didn’t know we also had to teach proper lifting techniques, health and nutrition, leadership development, human trafficking, and so on.”

That moment made it clear that even motivated instructors can feel unprepared when asked to teach outside their prior experience. Confidence does not come automatically with a curriculum. It must be built intentionally.

The solution was individualized support.

The NGT Accelerate Training Program

To meet that need, NGT created the Accelerate Training Program, a multi-day training, coaching, and mentoring experience delivered onsite at participating facilities. The goal is to ensure programs are positioned for success from the first day instruction begins.

The Accelerate program includes, but is not limited to:

• Classroom setup focused on engagement and professionalism
• Instructor evaluations to identify strengths and improvement areas
• Community building strategies for the classroom
• Full implementation guidance for the NGT curriculum
• In-depth instruction across required and supplemental subject areas
• Setup and maintenance support for the FMCSA Training Provider Registry
• Industry partnership development
• Simulator integration strategies
• Guest speaker and field trip planning
• Short-term and long-term lesson planning
• Career fair development
• Demonstration lessons and observational assessments

Nominal fees apply. Additional information and scheduling details are available by contacting info@nextgentrucking.org.

Source: The Trucker

The post NGT’s Train the Trainer Event Builds Stronger Foundations for CDL Education appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, March 20.

Supporting Trucking Families Through Education

The TCA Scholarship Fund has been in place for more than 50 years and continues to focus on students whose families work within the truckload sector. The program is supported largely by carriers, associate members, and individuals across the TCA network.

“TCA’s scholarship program is a powerful example of our members investing in the future of the truckload industry,” said Joey Hogan, TCA Scholarship Fund Committee chair and Covenant Logistics board member. “With the continued support of our donors and the inclusion of junior colleges, this program delivers real value to TCA members. I encourage everyone to share this opportunity with their employees and families.”

Who Is Eligible to Apply

The scholarship program is open to full-time students attending accredited two-year or four-year colleges, including junior colleges. Applicants must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and be enrolled as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior.

Eligibility extends to:

• Employees of TCA member companies
• Independent contractors affiliated with TCA member companies
• Children, grandchildren, or spouses of qualifying employees or contractors

Scholarships awarded during this cycle apply to the 2026–2027 academic year.

Scholarship Award Amounts

Funding amounts vary by program length.

For four-year colleges, awards can reach up to $6,250 per academic year. Students attending two-year programs may receive up to $2,000 per year.

“For over 50 years, the TCA Scholarship Fund has been helping students with connections to the truckload industry,” TCA said. “Much of the program’s support comes from within the truckload TCA family—companies and individuals who are committed to our truckload community’s future. The fund awards up to $6,250 per year, per full-time four-year college student and up to $2,000 per full-time two-year college student. In the current 2025-2026 academic year, the TCA Scholarship Fund’s Board of Trustees awarded a record 62 students scholarships totaling over $175,000.”

Why This Matters to Drivers and Carriers

Education costs continue to rise, and for many trucking families, balancing school expenses with the realities of the job can be difficult. The TCA Scholarship Fund is designed to ease that pressure while keeping families connected to the industry long term.

“The TCA Scholarship Fund is an incredible member benefit and a great way to engage employees and their families,” said Zander Gambill, TCA’s vice president of membership & outreach. “I encourage all carriers and associate members to spread the word and take advantage of this opportunity.”

How to Apply or Get More Information

Complete application details and forms are available through the TCA Scholarship Fund here.

Questions about the application process can be directed to OFIC at scholarships@ofic.org.

Source: The Trucker

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This initiative offers students direct exposure to career paths in transportation while simultaneously fostering a new generation of skilled workers for the Illinois Tollway and the broader transportation industry.

“We are committed to inspiring the next generation of leaders to learn how their interests today can translate into successful careers in the transportation industry,” said Cassaundra Rouse, Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway. “By connecting students with our teams, we are providing a firsthand look at how the work we do every day keeps people and goods moving safely and efficiently while contributing to the regional economy.”

A Peek Behind the Scenes

On April 25, students visited the Bensenville Maintenance Site to explore state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, such as plows and roadway technology. They also toured the Alsip Maintenance Site on the same day, receiving insight into how Tollway crews work round the clock to maintain roads, assist travelers, and handle emergencies.

Alongside these tours, the Illinois Tollway teams educated the students on safety protocols, advanced technology, and systems such as overhead roadway gantries and digital messaging platforms that enhance traffic flow and provide real-time information to drivers.

The initiative also emphasized the significance of the transportation system as a backbone for connecting communities and driving economic growth.

Connecting Teens with Industry Pros

One of the program’s highlights is the opportunity for students to engage directly with transportation professionals, including engineers, construction workers, and tradespeople. These conversations are designed to inspire students to envision themselves in careers across civil engineering, construction trades, and other transportation-related fields.

The students also had the chance to visit dynamic work sites to observe large-scale construction efforts. Some students toured the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) work site near Hinsdale, part of a $4 billion project to revamp a 23-mile segment of the Central Tri-State Tollway. This project focuses on easing congestion, modernizing infrastructure, and fulfilling regional transportation demands.

Others observed progress on the new I-490 Tollway near Bensenville, which will offer the first western access to O’Hare International Airport. The I-490 Tollway will connect the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) with the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) and Illinois Route 390, enhancing regional connectivity.

Building the Future of Transportation

By creating these immersive experiences, the Illinois Tollway is equipping students with both inspiration and information about career opportunities in transportation. The program highlights the essential work of keeping roads safe and efficient and ensures students see the critical role transportation plays in fostering economic connections and opportunities.

With hands-on opportunities like these, the Illinois Tollway is paving the way for the next generation of transportation leaders to thrive in fields that shape the future of communities and infrastructure.

Source: The Trucker

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