Navistar announced the graduation of its second Uptime Academy class, which consisted of 18 apprentices.
Officially launched in 2021, Uptime Academy is a 12-month apprenticeship program for high school graduates that offers hands-on training to prepare for a career as technician. The apprenticeship includes 3,200 hours of real-world experience along with 800 hours of classroom time and lab work, Navistar notes. The company and its dealer network have worked together to customize training units to match their specific needs. Graduates are prepared to service multiple International truck and IC Bus vehicle types, including electric and fuel cell technologies, Navistar says..
To further aid technician education, dealers from around the U.S. have donated equipment to local colleges and technical programs through Navistar’s TECH EmPOWERment initiative. The TECH EmPOWERment initiative was officially established to assist in technician recruitment, training, retention and donation efforts.
Recent donations by International truck dealers, according to the press release, include:
- Lonoke Public School District in Lonoke, Arkansas by Rush Truck Centers
- Southern Illinois University diesel program by Navistar Research & Development (R&D)
- St. Louis Community College in St. Louis, Missouri by Rush Truck Centers
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Clarksville, Tennessee by Tri-State International, Inc.
- Hendrickson USA in Woodridge, Illinois by Navistar R&D
- WTI Foundation in Laramie, Wyoming by McCandless International
- Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery, Alabama by Southland Transportation Group
- Ranken Technical College in Wentzville, Missouri by Rush Enterprises
- Ventura College in Ventura, California by Gibbs Truck
- Palomar Community College in San Marcos, California by Cal Pacific Truck Center
- Wayne County Schools Career Center in Smithville, Ohio by Rush Truck Centers
- Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama by Southland Transportation Group
- Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan by West Michigan International
- Louisiana Delta Community College in Monroe, Louisiana by Scott Truck
- Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas
