High School Advisory Boards with Patterson High School CDL Instructor Dave Dein

In this episode, Lindsey talks with Dave Dein, the CDL coordinator and instructor at Patterson High School in California.  Dave shares his experience with forming an advisory board for their truck driving program, which includes local trucking companies that contribute to the program and help guide its development. The advisory board meets quarterly or every six months, with ongoing conversations outside of formal meetings to ensure continuous communication and collaboration. Industry partners participate in various ways, such as guest speaking, organizing field trips, and dropping by to interact with students, providing real-world insights into the trucking industry. During advisory board meetings, they review previous notes, provide updates from instructors and students, and plan for events like the career fair, which is open to all students. Additionally, the logistics program focuses on helping students build essential career skills, such as resume writing and interview preparation, with the assistance of industry partners who conduct mock interviews to give students a taste of real job application processes. The career fair serves as an opportunity for students to showcase their preparedness and potentially secure job offers, with a wide range of available positions, though some require students to be at least 18 years old. The logistics program also works to educate industry partners on alternative ways to engage younger individuals in the field. Students appreciate career paths that offer opportunities for advancement and continuous learning, as these prospects provide more than just a job. Building relationships through advisory boards is crucial for retaining talent and fostering a strong sense of community within the industry. The CT director plays an essential role in managing the advisory board, including scheduling meetings and providing lunch incentives to encourage participation. The president of the advisory board is particularly instrumental in promoting the program across the district and supporting teachers by addressing specific needs, such as providing trucks or organizing gifts for students in need. It's essential to have board members who are genuinely passionate about advancing education in trucking, and networking is key to finding suitable candidates for both driving roles and other positions, like salespeople, who can offer valuable insights. To accommodate busy industry professionals, virtual meetings make participation easier while still allowing for in-person interactions when necessary, ensuring that everyone can stay engaged and connected.

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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