Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce: TB’s Commitment to Career Education

At Trailer Bridge, we believe that investing in young people is one of the most impactful ways we can serve the communities around us. By empowering students with skills, mentorship, and meaningful exposure to real-world careers, we’re helping the next generation discover their potential—and laying the groundwork for the future of the logistics and transportation industry.

Supporting the youth starts with access. Trailer Bridge partners with local organizations like Job Corps to offer students hands-on learning opportunities at our facilities. These visits help students connect classroom lessons with the day-to-day operations of the logistics industry and explore potential career paths.

To further enrich these educational opportunities, we also provide tangible resources, such as a donated shipping container to be used for training and skills development. “The container donation was a vital tool to help students get the experience they need to load containers and tractor trailers,” said Ray Smith, Material Handling Instructor at Job Corps Jacksonville. “The students are able to practice getting 26 pallets on and off in 30 minutes now.”  It’s just one of the ways we aim to meet students where they are and provide tools that support long-term growth.

Beyond technical exposure, Trailer Bridge is dedicated to helping students build the soft skills and confidence needed to succeed in today’s job market. Members of our Employee Services team, led by Kacy Swanson, offer classes to guide students through mock interviews, resume-building, and job-readiness workshops. “Watching students grow in confidence and prepare for the opportunities ahead is truly rewarding,” said Swanson. “These opportunities allow us to share our knowledge and live out TB’s culture while also helping our team members develop their own skills such as public speaking and presentation abilities. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

This type of personal engagement creates space for mentorship, builds lasting confidence, and helps students prepare not just for their first job, but for long-term success.

At Trailer Bridge, supporting youth isn’t just a program, it’s a mindset embraced across the organization, starting with our leadership team. CEO Mitch Luciano regularly speaks to students at the University of North Florida, sharing his personal career journey and offering insight into the many diverse paths within the logistics industry.

Jobs across the transportation and supply chain field are projected to grow steadily over the next decade according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlighting the need for a workforce trained in logistics, operations and supply chain management.

A key message we share with students is that logistics is a dynamic industry with a variety of career paths; sales, marketing, information technology, accounting, finance, human resources, operations, and more.

“Investing in young talent isn’t just about preparing for growth, it’s about empowering individuals to find their place in the industry,” said Luciano. "Just as in any industry, technology is reshaping the way we do business – how I managed freight 20 years ago is very different than how our people do it now. We want to be at the forefront of helping students and others who may be making a career shift, discover the path that best fit their skills and passions.”

By investing in young people, we’re not just preparing future employees; we’re nurturing the next generation of leaders, problem solvers, and innovators who will shape both our communities and the logistics industry for years to come. Whether through education, mentorship, or hands-on workforce development, Trailer Bridge remains dedicated to supporting students on their journey.

In addition to student outreach, Trailer Bridge also supports individuals who may be ready for a career change or transitioning into a new role. We participate in events like the ‘Gateway to Careers’ Job Fair and ‘Recruitment Wednesday’ hosted by CareerSource of Northeast Florida, both of which focus on transportation and logistics career opportunities.