Workforce development doesn’t always start with a perfect plan—it often starts with opportunity, strong culture, and a company willing to invest in people.
On a recent episode of NGT Talks, we sat down with Liz from Fastenal, a founding member of Next Gen Trucking, to discuss career pathways, employee growth, and how meaningful partnerships with schools are shaping the future of trucking, manufacturing, and supply chain careers.
A Career That Grows From Within
Liz began her career at Fastenal more than 20 years ago, starting part-time in a distribution center while attending college. Unsure of her long-term path at the time, she took a full-time opportunity, relocated, and grew into her current HR role supporting distribution centers across the country and internationally.
Her story reflects Fastenal’s strong commitment to promoting from within—preparing employees for leadership by helping them understand the business from the ground up.
Why People Stay at Fastenal
When asked why she’s stayed for two decades, Liz’s answer was simple: the people. Fastenal emphasizes internal growth, open communication, and leadership development. Employees are encouraged to talk openly about career goals, apply for internal opportunities, and take ownership of their roles.
This people-first culture helps build long-term careers while supporting employees who may also be pursuing education or exploring different career paths.
Entry-Level Opportunities Without a Four-Year Degree
Fastenal offers many entry-level roles, particularly in distribution and operations, that don’t require a four-year degree. Liz shared that success often comes down to mindset—showing up, taking pride in your work, and treating your role like your own business.
Students and job seekers can explore opportunities directly through Fastenal’s careers page and grow from there.
Investing in Growth and Flexibility
Once hired, Fastenal focuses on strong onboarding, training, and communication. Employees are supported through structured training plans, leadership access, and flexible scheduling—especially for students balancing work and school.
Fastenal aims to support long-term careers while also helping employees gain skills they can carry with them anywhere.
Bringing Industry Into the Classroom
A key part of Fastenal’s workforce strategy is working directly with high schools. The company created interactive classroom workshops that combine short instruction with hands-on activities like forklift relay races, safety challenges, and team-based problem-solving exercises.
These workshops help students understand careers in manufacturing, logistics, and safety while building confidence and real-world skills.
From Classroom to Career Pathways
These school partnerships often lead to facility tours, deeper relationships with educators, and clearer career pathways for students. Liz noted that students from strong career and technical education programs—such as those at Patterson High School—tend to be more focused and prepared for the workforce.
Fastenal also offers pathways into driving roles through its private fleet, including ride-alongs, distribution center experience, and in some locations, support for CDL training.
A Message to Employers
Liz closed with a powerful message for employers considering school engagement: don’t let fear hold you back. The worst outcome is a “no,” but more often those conversations lead to partnerships that strengthen talent pipelines and communities.
As more schools launch supply chain, manufacturing, and trucking programs, Fastenal’s approach shows what’s possible when companies invest early in people—and in the future of the workforce.