Building a Future for Truck Drivers
Understanding the importance of a robust pipeline of skilled drivers, Mack Trucks collaborated with the U.S. Forest Service Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers (JCCCC) to provide a ride-along experience for a student.
Experience on the Road
Kandy Kilbreth, a 24-year-old from Poplar Bluff, Missouri, participated in a ride-along in a Mack Pinnacle truck from Warrenton to St. Louis, Missouri, as part of the 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree tour. This initiative aimed to help Kilbreth assess whether pursuing a Commercial Driver’s License and a career in trucking aligns with her goals.
Reflections on the Experience
“Riding in the Mack Pinnacle during the Capitol Christmas Tree tour was fantastic,” Kilbreth stated. “I believe I would enjoy a career as a truck driver, and this opportunity gave me valuable insights into what the profession entails.”
The Industry’s Growing Need
A report from the American Trucking Associations in November 2012 highlighted a looming shortage, predicting over 200,000 unfilled truck driver positions by 2022.
Encouraging Careers in Trucking
“As trucks are responsible for nearly all consumer goods transportation, Mack is dedicated to inspiring people to consider trucking as a career,” said John Walsh, Mack’s vice president of marketing. “Offering students like Kandy the chance to experience life in a big rig is one way we can achieve that,” he added.
Capitol Christmas Tree Tour
The ride-along was organized during the 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree tour, which involved transporting a 73-foot tree from the White River National Forest in Colorado to the U.S. Capitol lawn in Washington, D.C. Mack also contributed a second Pinnacle to haul 100 companion trees for display at the Capitol.
Job Corps and Vocational Training
“Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers provide hands-on training for over 30 vocational fields, equipping individuals with necessary education and skills to secure stable employment,” explained Tony Dixon, national director of Forest Service Job Corps. The Mingo JCCCC serves students aged 16 to 24, and Job Corps is the U.S.’s largest residential career and technical training program for youth, with 28 centers supported by the Forest Service in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor.
