Next Generation in Trucking Association

  Say the word "technician" and immediately some people conjure up an unfavorable image of someone with a dirty uniform working in a decrepit building with junk cars and rusted parts everywhere. The stereotype is strong, and the industry is aware. While we know it’s not reality, the image is not one that leads parents to prefer it as a solid career choice for their children. It’s also not an image that young students see as leading them on a lucrative or rewarding career path, therefore, it leaves our field with a systemic gap of needing qualified technicians and no one wanting to explore those opportunities. I wanted to bring awareness to future technicians of what it’s really like to have a career as a technician with a reputable company and sought out to do something to address this image obstacle head-on. I first reached out to the local BOCES in Mexico, NY, where I met with Carol Taormina, work base learning coordinator, with the idea of introducing students to the e

ATS “Keeps on Trainin”™ Patented technology. P rogressi v e training. Re v olutionary results To train the next generation of trucking professionals, our industry must use the technology to which they are so accustomed.   Driving today’s heavy commercial vehicle requires knowledge of many high-tech, computerized components.   Not to mention that technology is the language of the next generation.   Technology must be included in the training of these new “Professional Drivers”.   Driver training simulators and interactive pre-trip apps are part of this training technology.     The industry believes the next generation of Professional Drivers needs to include 18- to 20-year-olds.   Presently they cannot drive interstate.   They are already permitted to drive intrastate, which in California can mean 800 miles from north to south; but they are not allowed to cross the border into Arizona.   From a safety point of view, this makes no sense.     The DRIVE Safe Act, a bi-partisan