Jeffrey Mosher speaks with Shane Rugg, Training Coordinator, Star Truck Rentals and Heather Kimble, Human Resources Director, Star Truck Rentals, out of Grand Rapids, MI. They share about the company, and the special way they're filling the talent gap in their industry which can lead to great jobs.
Demand for the Star Training Academy
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, anestimated 140,000+ diesel technicians will be needed by 2022 to fill emerging job openings and those vacated by a retiring generation. Talent availability of that magnitude could be seen as a shared responsibility, which is what brought together Star Truck Rentals, American Diesel Training Centers and Steel Forest USA. Based on educational resources provided through American Diesel Training Centers, Star Truck Rentals lead trainers have received additional support to facilitate the Star Training Academy.
During the five-week Diesel Technician Basics training course, participants will become familiar with these key subject matter areas, as identified by the American Trucking Association’s Technology and Maintenance Council:
· Preventative Maintenance Inspection
· Electrical
· Brakes
· Diagnostics
· Emissions
In contrast to other diesel technician programs, upwards of two years of instruction, this condensed training program will teach the basics necessary toward advanced learning, available over time through peer mentoring and other on-the-job training at Star Truck Rentals.
Star Training Academy participants will receive paid training at a rate of $15/hour, in addition to an entry tool set, which is available to own through payment installments.
Career-Building Investment toward Star Training Academy
Star Truck Rentals has invested $150,000 to set up the school in Flint and will invest $7,000 per new diesel technician attending each five-week course, based on the full capacity of 10-12 attendees per course. A Corporate Training Coordinator position has been created and hired, along with two currentStar Truck Rentals employees to be the trainers for the Star Training Academy. Plans are underway to offer this same ongoing training program in the Grand Rapids area by 2019. A 30-month apprenticeship program is in development, as well.
Inaugural Class and Contact Details
As a means of jumpstarting opportunities for future diesel technicians, Star Truck Rentals begins its inaugural Star Training Academy course on Monday, October 22, at their Flint, Mich. location.
Interested persons should apply online through Steel Forest by Wednesday, October 17, to be considered for the inaugural training course. The online application is available at steelforestusa.com/private.
To hear Shane, Heather and Jeffrey's discussion, click the orange play button shared just below!
