In this episode of NextGen Talks, Lindsey interviews Melissa—known online as The Diesel Queen—whose journey into the diesel technician field is as authentic as it is inspiring. Growing up around diesel engines and heavy equipment, Melissa discovered her passion through hands-on classes in high school before attending WyoTech and launching a successful career with John Deere. As one of the few women in the field, she shares how supportive mentors, hard work, and a willingness to learn shaped her career. Melissa emphasizes that strength isn’t what defines a great technician—problem-solving, perseverance, and curiosity do.

Melissa also sheds light on the opportunities available in today’s diesel industry, from strong starting wages and constant technological evolution to nationwide demand for skilled mechanics. She speaks candidly about the realities of the job, the importance of reliability, and why more young women should see themselves in this field. Now an influential voice on social media, she aims to encourage students—especially girls—to explore diesel technology as a viable, rewarding career. With dreams of opening her own shop and mentoring the next generation, Melissa proves that passion, grit, and authenticity can carve out a powerful place in the industry.

https://www.diesellaptops.com/

https://www.instagram.com/the.diesel.queen/

Thank you to our Champion Sponsors!!!
https://www.pfgc.com/
https://www.descartes.com/home
https://www.act1trucking.org/members
https://driverwages.com/
https://nationalapprenticeship.org/
https://www.xpo.com/
https://www.atstrainingsystems.com/

The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

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In this episode of NextGen Talks, Lindsey sits down with Scott Shaw, President & CEO of Lincoln Tech, to explore how one of the most established technical schools in the country is preparing the next generation of diesel technicians. Scott shares his unexpected journey from banking and private equity into skilled trades education, and how 25 years at Lincoln Tech has shown him the life-changing impact of hands-on training. He walks through Lincoln’s history—from its post-WWII beginnings to its growth into a national network focused on transportation, diesel, skilled trades, and healthcare—and explains why right now is the most exciting moment he’s ever seen for the trades.
Scott and Lindsey dig into how Lincoln Tech keeps its diesel programs relevant: blending 30% online with 70% hands-on shop time, using tools like Electude’s gamified curriculum, training aids, and a block-format program that students complete in about 13 months. Scott highlights their 90% job placement in-field, shares success stories like UPS fleet leader and Lincoln grad Carlton Rose, and stresses how employer partnerships, advisory councils, and on-campus career fairs keep students aligned with real-world needs. They also tackle retention—why mentorship and clear career paths matter—and look ahead to Lincoln’s expansion plans, including new campuses in Atlanta, Houston, and North Texas. Scott closes with a message to students, parents, and employers alike: the diesel and skilled trades fields offer stable, AI-resistant, high-opportunity careers where motivated people can truly go “all the way to the top.”

https://www.lincolntech.edu/
https://info.lincolntech-usa.com/campus/nashville-tn/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&network=g&utm_campaign=&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=nashville%20auto%

Thank you to our Sponsors!!!
https://www.pfgc.com/
https://www.descartes.com/home
https://nationalapprenticeship.org/
https://driverwages.com/
https://www.xpo.com/
https://www.atstrainingsystems.com/

The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

Contact us at: info@nextgentruckers.com

Follow us on socials here:
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In this episode, Lindsey sits down with Brett Pawlowski of Roundhouse Partnerships to unpack his new white paper, Investing in the Future, and why employers must treat early-talent development as a measurable, strategic investment—not a nice-to-have. Brett explains the “black box” between education and employment and lays out a practical, three-phase model—Awareness → Engagement → Recruitment—that any company can start using with limited budgets. The conversation hits major workforce headwinds (retirements, shrinking birth rates, rising skill demands) and shows how coalitions—associations, chambers, and industry groups like Next Gen Trucking—can create leverage. You’ll also hear surprising ROI wins from employee volunteerism (higher satisfaction and retention) and simple, high-impact actions: guest speaking, facility tours, job shadows, advisory boards, and CTSO support (FFA, SkillsUSA). Brett closes with a call to build shared metrics with local CTE partners and points listeners to his resources and papers at roundhousepartnerships.com.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-pawlowski-96b0441/
https://roundhousepartnerships.com/

Thank you to our Champion Sponsors!!!
https://www.pfgc.com/
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https://www.averittcareers.com/
https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home/supply-chain.html
https://fusionnow.io/
https://www.gfs.com/en-us
https://www.kkwtrucks.com/
https://www.kkwtrucks.com/
https://loupaving.com/
https://www.tenstreet.com/
https://transfrinc.com/
https://transportation.trimble.com/
https://www.ushertransport.com/

The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.

Visit our website: www.nextgentruckers.com

Contact us at: info@nextgentruckers.com

Follow us on socials here:
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Instagram
Youtube
LinkedIn
TikTok