High School Advisory Boards Jake Kepich

Next Gen Trucking Talk with Lindsey Trent

In this episode, Lindsey talks with Jake Kepich, the Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Technician Instructor at the Center of Applied Technology North in Severn, MD. Jake discusses the vital role of Advisory Boards in his program. In this podcast, Lindsey and Jake explore how the program, certified by the ASE Education Foundation and AED Associated Equipment Distributors, is preparing students for the industry's shift toward electric vehicles and hydrogen power. The advisory board plays a crucial role in the program's success by providing valuable input, donations, and support. The board meets twice a year to review program updates, discuss the budget, and make decisions on large purchases. The school also holds an open house where employers showcase their businesses to prospective students and their families. Students can begin their training as medium/heavy-duty truck technicians as early as their junior year, following an application process, with some business partners offering summer internships to further enhance their learning experience.

Jake also highlights the various initiatives employers are using to engage students and recruit them into the industry. These initiatives include summer boot camps, apprenticeship fairs, and youth apprenticeship programs, with paid opportunities providing significant benefits for participants. He emphasizes the importance of these programs and discusses the age limits for participation. Additionally, they touch on how advisory board meetings are managed, with both in-person and virtual options available. The conversation also includes tips for effective communication with employers and shares resources for creating successful advisory committees. Ultimately, the discussion focuses on promoting career paths in the trucking industry for young people, leveraging engaging programs and strong partnerships with industry professionals to create opportunities and build the future workforce.

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.

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