It was an amazing honor to host the Next Gen in Trucking Train the Trainer event at Patterson High School on June 2-3. This year, 15 participants represented nine states and one province of Canada.
This two-day action-packed event included powerful and encouraging words from the Patterson Joint Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Reyes Gauna, who pledged his support to any district as they transition into providing high-level Career Technical Education programs. Participants learned the various components that make the NGT curriculum so comprehensive and engaging for students, including utilizing the Worklete and TruckFit programs. Included in the training was a thought-provoking presentation on incorporating driver simulation by Advanced Training Systems Director of Sales and Integration, Enrique Mar. He outlined the history and progression of driver training programs and how it is evolving into state-of-the-art simulator technologies that incorporate artificial intelligence to provide the highest level of enhanced training.
On the second day of training, participants were treated to a golf cart experience as they navigated a closed course that simulated the effects of driving while intoxicated. Participants also took a tour of the PHS Supply Chain Program, led by Glenn Ecalne, as well as some time to gain hands-on training on the two ATS driving simulators that were recently installed at PHS. The event culminated with recent Patterson High School trucking students participating in a Q and A session who shared what instructors need to focus on for their programs to be successful.
A huge thank you to all those who made this possible and who generously sponsored this training event: Advanced Training Systems, Tenstreet, and SambaSafety. With your support, we can empower the next generation of trucking instructors and together we will further create a sustainable pipeline of young well well-trained professional drivers. Well done everyone and we look forward to hosting this event next year!