For a CDL instructor, connecting your students to the broader industry is the most effective way to transform a trainee into a career professional.
While technical mastery of the vehicle is the foundation of any CDL program, isolating students within the cab limits their understanding of the vibrant, supportive ecosystem they are about to join.
For the second consecutive year, I have had the privilege of escorting eight exceptional students from the Patterson High School trucking program to the 2026 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, Kentucky in March. These eight students were selected not just for their technical aptitude, but also because of their unwavering dedication to the learning process and their ability to lead by example — both in the classroom and throughout our community.
By encouraging participation in major industry trade events like MATS, you provide your students with a “backstage pass” to the latest technology, advocacy groups and peer networks that define modern trucking. This early immersion doesn’t just build excitement. It also fosters a sense of professional identity and belonging that is critical for long-term retention in an increasingly demanding field.
For me, the most rewarding aspect of this journey was witnessing the profound impact MATS has on these future professionals.
While the students arrived with high expectations for a memorable experience, they were truly moved by the realization of their own potential within this vital industry.
Our students didn’t just attend MATS, they participated, helping to staff the Next Generation in Trucking booth as well as exploring the exhibit hall and show lot.
The meaningful interactions these students shared with seasoned professionals have ignited a newfound passion and drive. Seeing them find their place and build confidence in their career path is a powerful reminder of why our program — and the support of our community — is so essential.
Here are the students’ comments about their participation at MATS:
“Thank you, Mr. Dave ‘Doctor’ Dein, for choosing ME to come on this trip. It has been such an honor to represent the town of Patterson — and even more of an honor to represent the Next Gen Trucking Association at this truck show. Being on this trip has opened my eyes to what a real professional driver is. I would be honored to attend more events to represent the nonprofit and support its mission of expanding high school trucking programs across the U.S. I know what it takes to be dedicated and passionate about something, and that’s what I have for this program. Again, thank you so much. This has been an amazing year for me, and I am so grateful for having this opportunity.”
“The best piece of advice is from Enrique. He told me that you need to be the smartest person in the room and know everything about what you do. You can learn from other people and just be yourself when you’re doing what you love.”
“Attending this event helped me to get out of my comfort zone and talk to people I did not know — and ask a lot of questions. I plan on using this experience to help me grow as a person and make more connections with more people in the future.”
“I knew it would be a giant and crazy event. It was like being at the World Ag Expo of Trucking. I met so many amazing people, and new doors have been opened. I met people and companies I had never spoken to, and they told me to contact them if I ever needed ANYTHING. This showed me the admiration and respect that people have for the Next Generation in Trucking.”
“Before this trip, I was already passionate and dedicated to the trucking industry. Going to Kentucky and just getting to know real professional drivers and good companies further strengthened my love and passion for the trucking profession. I plan on using this experience to get in contact with these companies that I met and utilize the new connection that I have gained.”
Through experiences like these, our students gain more than just industry knowledge: They develop a deep-seated confidence in their future roles as professional drivers. MATS serves as a vital bridge between the classroom and the real world, proving that these young leaders are ready to drive the industry forward.
Dave Dein is the truck driving program coordinator and instructor at the Patterson High School Supply Chain and Logistics Training Center and the co-founder of the Next Generation in Trucking Association.
With a career spanning over three decades in the trucking industry, Dave has worked as a driver and a manager. He is also the founder of Faith Logistics, a nonprofit truck driving school ministry dedicated to providing career opportunities through trucking.
For the past 27 years, he has been a dedicated educator within the Patterson, California, Joint Unified School District, holding both multiple and single-subject teaching credentials.
His commitment to shaping the next generation of trucking professionals has earned him significant recognition, including being named the 2025 California and Region V Teacher of the Year.
