Students from Jacksonville Job Corps recently visited Trailer Bridge’s corporate headquarters for a hands-on learning experience focused on transportation and logistics career opportunities. The full-day event included a visit to the company’s port operation at the Jacksonville Port Authority’s Blount Island Marine Terminal, a workshop in its maintenance shop, and other classroom learning centered on career development.

Jacksonville Job Corps, a program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, provides free career training and education for low-income, 16- through 24-year-olds. The 17 students who participated are currently enrolled in the Material Handling & Distribution Operations and Advanced Manufacturing Production Technology training programs.

Leaders from Trailer Bridge’s various divisions spent time with the students sharing about their respective areas of the business – topics included ocean shipping to Puerto Rico, logistics operations, maintenance of transportation assets as well as personal branding and career development.

“The experience gave students an insider’s perspective on the day-to-day workings of a transportation and logistics business operation,” said Trailer Bridge Vice President of Employee Services Kacy Swanson. “Our aim is to serve and support the development of our area youth and ultimately Jacksonville’s diverse workforce. These students represent the future of our community and industry – by investing time with them today, we believe we are making a larger investment in tomorrow.”

Betzayra Garceran is an Advanced Manufacturing Production Technology student who participated in the experience. She graduated from the program on August 16 and had this to say about the experience: “to have a company allow us to see things and apply the knowledge we learn at work, it’s amazing.”

Earlier this year members of Trailer Bridge’s Employee Services team visited the students at the Jacksonville Job Corps campus to share workforce readiness tips, conduct mock interviews and provide insight into the types of careers available in Northeast Florida. The company also recently donated a 53-foot container and chassis to be used as part of the Material Handling and Distribution Operations training program.

“Our students have not stopped talking about the experience. From the barge to the training, the impact was amazing," said Ray Smith, Material Handling and Distribution Operations Instructor, Jacksonville Job Corps. "Our students now have a decisive direction and a full understanding of logistics, ocean shipments, trucking, intermodal transportation, and the maintenance shop.”