The Trucking Association of New York (TANY), and Shay Legacy Foundation (SLF) are introducing an exciting addition to its workforce development arsenal in 2024 with the rollout of a traveling truck driving simulator. The state-of-the-art tool, which will be completely free for all users, aims to give students an opportunity to experience the thrill of being behind the wheel of a commercial truck. It will also target new and experienced CDL-licensed drivers, providing an opportunity for continuing education and simulations of unique driving experiences in a safe setting.
As you see the truck driving simulator travel around the state in it’s custom 24-foot trailer, it will always be accompanied by certified trainers with dozens of years of driving experience. These trainers will not only be experts on the functions of the simulator equipment, but will also be able to relay to students the reality of life on the road. We’re confident that the combination of a simulated truck driving experience with the teachings of our highly qualified trainers will spark genuine interest in careers in trucking; a giant step forward in our effort to tackle the workforce shortage our industry faces.
Truck driving simulators are a very new piece of technology, so the question worth asking is, what is a truck driving simulator? Put simply, our simulator is a state-of-the-art mobile truck driving experience that brings the road to you. It’s equipped with a realistic truck cab with all the controls and instruments found in a real truck, and features large, high-definition screens that display a lifelike driving environment. It also has motion-based technology that simulated the feeling of driving on different road surfaces, as well as interactive scenarios that challenge participants to make real-world decisions.
The technology has been well received in the industry, triggering several private fleets, state agencies and beyond to invest in simulators, either to provide supplemental training to experienced drivers or safe, behind-the-wheel instruction for those seeking CDL licenses. TANY has even partnered with the Department of Corrections, who purchased simulators for six of their facilities in the state to help incarcerated individuals work their way toward CDL licenses before being released. So another question that warrants answering is what is the need for TANY to utilize a truck driving simulator when they’re already being used elsewhere in the state?
The answer there lies in the primary purpose of the technology. While remedial training through use of the simulator will be made available to TANY members, the primary purpose will be to get in front of students who otherwise may have never even considered careers in trucking. As the only mobile simulator in the state available to book, we’ll have the opportunity to reach individuals that more than likely would have never taken the step to find a stationary simulator. And although many of the interactions we’ll have with these students will be short snippets are career fairs or school events, our vision is to connect interested students with local programs that will allow them to continue their training and education in pursuit of a career in trucking.
The natural bridge between students that have interest in the truck driving simulator is a conversation about a career as a driver, but understanding the shortage our state also faces for qualified diesel technicians, our trainers will also be prepared to have conversations about that career path. They’ll be equipped with resources for technical programs and schools, applications for SLF scholarships benefitting individuals seeking careers as technicians, and other resources that will help guide them down that road. The simulator will truly be a tool to grow and enhance the workforce for the entire trucking industry in New York.
If you’re interested in learning more about the simulator, or booking, contact steve@nytrucks.org.
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