Trucking Industry Sees Its Shadow

Whether Punxsuatawney Phil sees his shadow or not, trucking company employees will on Groundhog Day, February 2, during the second National Groundhog Job Shadow Day. Throughout America over half a million youth will be participating in this career-mentoring event, allowing them to experience the workplace firsthand.

The American Trucking Associations has joined America’s Promise, the youth development organization headed by General Colin Powell, to bring the full resources of the trucking industry to the aid of our nation’s at-risk youth. Today many of ATA’s members, America’s most successful and responsible trucking companies, are matching young people with job shadow volunteers.

"Mentoring our nation’s youth and grooming them for success as the work force of tomorrow, that’s what Groundhog Job Shadow Day is all about," said General Colin Powell, chairman of America’s Promise. "It’s just one day, but it’s a day neither adults nor the young people involved will forget."

Rodney Slater, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, has asked for members of the transportation industry to become involved in this educational program, citing it as an important part of his efforts to build a skilled transportation workforce for the 21st century.

"Groundhog Job Shadow Day provides a unique opportunity to make the world of work come alive for today’s young people," said Walter B. McCormick, Jr., President of the American Trucking Associations. "With a need for over 6,200,000 new employees in the trucking industry over the next six years, this is a great opportunity to introduce our children to a vibrant and essential part of our nation’s economy."

Trucking companies in almost every state in the country will be working with local schools to bring students into their facilities. Whether students have an interest in being a truck driver, dispatcher, mechanic, freight manager, or a CEO, students will learn first-hand how success in the classroom is important to their success as an adult in the workplace.

To find out more about specific activities of American Trucking Associations' members during Groundhog Job Shadow Day, call Sean T. Shields at 703-838-1836.