Unique training to give TrueNorth Transportation employees new industry perspective
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (July 11, 2022)–Kirkwood Community College has collaborated with TrueNorth, a Cedar Rapids-based insurance and financial company, on a unique training designed to give TrueNorth employees a better understanding of what it takes to be a truck driver. The event, called Day in the Life of a Driver, is scheduled for this Thursday, July 14, at the Kirkwood Continuing Education Training Center near the college’s main campus in Cedar Rapids.
Designed for TrueNorth employees who work with the transportation industry, the training gives attendees an opportunity to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the businesses they work with on a daily basis. The hands-on approach allows employees to get in the driver’s seat and see the world from a truck driver’s perspective. The goal is to foster innovative thinking to better serve clients in the fast-paced, heavily-regulated sector.
According to TrueNorth Senior Vice President of Transportation Jacob Pipkin, the learning experience is second-to-none.
“Through Day in the Life of a Driver, Kirkwood offers our colleagues a chance to get behind the wheel and connect with the risks and challenges drivers face every day,” said Pipkin. “That perspective is invaluable because it allows us to be more resourceful for our clients as we collaborate on solutions that will protect and maximize their business.”
Kirkwood’s Corporate Training division has a long history of designing effective educational programs to fit specific client needs. In this case, the college already had the tools in place to provide an impactful experience for TrueNorth’s workforce with the institution’s Truck Driving program and driving range.
To Kirkwood Continuing Education and Training Services Executive Director Amy Lasack, the collaboration was a natural fit for the two community partners.
“The Day in the Life of a Driver training is a prime example of Kirkwood doing what it does best,” said Lasack. “We pride ourselves on doing whatever we can to help businesses in our community get their employees the education and training they need to succeed. In this case, our Truck Driving program was tailor-made to help show TrueNorth’s staff the intricacies of such a crucial industry. I think that if more people know about how everything works together, we’re one step closer to addressing the issues of the supply chain. Kirkwood is very excited to partner with TrueNorth to help make that happen.”
For more information on Kirkwood’s Truck Driving program, go to www.kirkwood.edu/truckdriving.
About Kirkwood Community College Continuing Education
Kirkwood Continuing Education notes nearly 53,000 annual enrollments in classes ranging from industry certification to career development to personal enrichment. Over the last 25 years, the number of new jobs created through Kirkwood’s Continuing Education & Training Services has exceeded 30,000.
About TrueNorth Companies
TrueNorth® Companies, L.C. is a closely held, privately held risk management and insurance brokerage firm focused on creating value for our clients, colleagues, and communities. TrueNorth is headquartered in the Midwest with offices in Iowa, Illinois and Colorado, and colleagues located in more than 20 states across the nation. Learn more at www.truenorthcompanies.com.