The trucking industry is facing a workforce crisis—Baby Boomers are retiring, birth rates are declining, and too many young people are unaware of the high-wage, high-demand careers available in trucking and logistics. Traditional workforce development isn’t enough. We must actively engage with students early to guide them toward these opportunities.
Why Early Engagement Matters
A recent report, Investing in the Future: Measuring Employer ROI in Early Talent Development, highlights the impact of employer involvement in workforce development. It found that:
- Without employer engagement, only 25 out of 1,000 students with the potential to enter a high-demand field actually do.
- With employer support, career awareness grows, leading to 80 students entering the workforce—a more than 300% increase in talent.
By connecting with middle and high school students through career fairs, classroom visits, mentorship, and work-based learning, employers can shape the next generation of workers and secure a steady talent pipeline.
How Next Gen Trucking Helps
At Next Generation in Trucking, we are committed to building the workforce of tomorrow by helping schools create and strengthen trucking, diesel, and logistics programs. We provide resources, guidance, and industry connections to ensure students get hands-on exposure to trucking careers.
Real-World Example: Performance Food Group’s Success
One of our members, Performance Food Group (PFG), actively engages with local schools to build awareness of trucking careers. Each year, Chilton County School District in Clanton, AL, hosts a Spring Career Fair, and PFG participates annually.
“We do this event every year, and it works great for getting our name out to graduating seniors in the area who are about to enter the workforce!”
— Trudy Wells, SHRM-CP, HR Manager, Performance Food Group
PFG’s ongoing participation ensures that high school students learn about career opportunities in trucking, increasing their chances of considering the industry as they enter the workforce. This is the type of direct engagement that makes a difference.
Get Involved—We Can Help!
You don’t have to do this alone. NGT can help you engage with local schools by providing tools, presentations, and connections to students and educators. Whether speaking at a career fair, hosting a school visit, or mentoring students, your involvement makes a difference.
Join us in shaping the future workforce. Reach out today to find out how you can get involved