The Greater Des Moines Partnership and Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) recently partnered to host a professional development learning experience for educators, counselors, and administrators by connecting them with local businesses with a goal of better understanding workforce needs. Ruan was proud to be involved. Our team hosted the group at our Des Moines Campus and showcased a new truck model, shared job opportunities, and held a panel with Ruan professionals.
Driver Safety Instructor Doug Beach gave a truck tour of a 2024 Freightliner Cascadia, highlighting in-cab technology advancements, under-the-hood technology, skills for professional drivers and technicians, and the driver experience.
Additionally, Director of Talent Management Erin Peterson educated attendees on our three work-based learning programs for those beginning their careers after high school, including our Safe Driver Apprenticeship, Information Technology Apprenticeship, and summer internship opportunities. This led into our panel discussion, where Ruan leaders shared essential skills for workplace success.
Panelists Amanda Damstetter, Manager of IT, Chris Fish, Senior Vice President of Operations, and Sarah Fenimore, Director of Talent Acquisition, shared their respective backgrounds on teaching the future workforce. From there they also fielded questions regarding soft and technical skills and workplace environments.
“Teaching for the Workforce was a great opportunity to showcase pathways to a wide range of careers here at Ruan. We are hopeful that the discussion provided resources and ideas that educators could take back to their students to help prepare them for a successful career,” Fenimore said.
We are thankful for the opportunity to be a part of Teaching for the Workforce and look forward to continuing to expand our team through all different career paths.