REGIONAL WORKSHOPS: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & TRUCKING REFULATIONS

On May 23 and 30, INEDA hosted Regional Workshops on Workforce and Trucking Regulations in Grand Island, NE and Ankeny, IA.

Nebraska Carrier Enforcement and Iowa Department of Transportation conducted the trucking regulation workshops. Members benefited from an overview of the current trucking regulations including state and federal rules as well as a “walk around” of loaded equipment provided by AKRS Equipment and Logan Contractors Supply.

During the workforce workshop, speakers discussed workplace best practices, visa programs, and pathways programs followed by a tour of the Career Pathways Program at Grand Island (Nebraska) High School and Des Moines Area Community College (Iowa). Jerry Pigsley of Woods Aitken Law Firm presented workplace best practices and new legal mandates. He highlighted the changing landscape in workplace rules and regulations.

Community outreach specialists from the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided an overview of the visa programs including the eligibility requirements and process for seeking visas for employees. While this program has been utilized by some members, the process is quite involved and requires representatives of schools focusing on trades discussed their efforts to equip the next generation of workforce ready employees and the programs and facilities they utilize. For this strategy to succeed, it has to be a partnership between these programs and employers. We would encourage you to reach out to these programs in each state and learn more about how you can partner with them.

If you are interested in learning more about any of these topics or have questions on opportunities that are available to your dealership, please let us know!