Next Gen Trucking Talk with Lindsey Trent
The Next Gen Trucking Association is a membership-based advocacy group solely dedicated to advancing the trucking industry as a career choice for the next generation through nationwide education and awareness initiatives. As a leading national nonprofit trade association, Next Gen Trucking Association (NGT) inspires, educates, and provides resources for young people and schools and promotes opportunities within the trucking industry. This podcast is all about steering the next generation towards careers in trucking. Who is doing it, how, and best practices. For more information contact Lindsey Trent at info@nextgentrucking.org.
Next Gen Trucking Talk with Lindsey Trent
Making Trucking a First Career Choice with Leah Shaver of NTI
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In this episode of NextGen Talks, Lindsey Trent sits down with Leah Shaver, President and CEO of the National Transportation Institute (NTI), to discuss the importance of early talent development and why the trucking industry must begin investing in the next generation workforce now. Together, they explore the purpose behind the Career Catalyst Awards and highlight companies that are creating meaningful career pathways for young people through internships, apprenticeships, work-based learning, and partnerships with schools and communities.
Throughout the conversation, Lindsey and Leah discuss the aging workforce within trucking, the challenges of attracting Gen Z talent, and the need to position trucking as a first career choice instead of a last resort. They share real-world examples of companies successfully building “sticky” careers by engaging with local schools, offering mentorship opportunities, supporting workforce development initiatives, and investing in long-term employee growth. The discussion also dives into the importance of communication, workplace culture, volunteerism, family engagement, and creating opportunities for young people to see themselves within the trucking industry.
This episode is filled with practical ideas and inspiring examples for employers looking to strengthen their workforce pipeline, improve retention, and build stronger community connections. Whether you are a carrier, private fleet, educator, or industry partner, this conversation offers valuable insight into how trucking companies can invest in people, support future talent, and help create a stronger and more sustainable industry for years to come.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahbshaver/
https://driverwages.com/
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The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.
Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.org
Contact us at: info@nextgentruckers.org
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