Pittsburgh, PA (January 30, 2024) - PITT OHIO, a leader in regional and national logistics services, donated a 2018 Mack tractor to Forbes Road Career and Technology Center (CTC) in Monroeville, PA, strengthening their commitment to training the next generation of diesel technicians through hands-on learning.

In today's competitive job market, practical experience is more valuable than ever. Recognizing this, logistics leader PITT OHIO has partnered with Forbes Road CTC to offer a unique cooperative education program. This dynamic initiative blends classroom-based learning with hands-on experience, giving students a head start on their careers.

“The future of skilled labor is in hands-on learning opportunities to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in demanding fields such as diesel mechanics,” said Taki Darakos, PITT OHIO’s Vice President of Vehicle Maintenance. “This real-world exposure with our Mack tractor will not only enhance the students' theoretical knowledge, but also prepare them for the challenges and rewards of a career in diesel mechanics.”

“The need for highly trained and skilled diesel technicians is more critical than ever,” said Larry Maun, PITT OHIO’s Supervisor of Fleet Training & Development.  “It is crucial to the success of PITT OHIO’s diesel mechanic shops to work with and develop the next generation of technicians and students from these types of programs who are motivated, hardworking and want to learn the trade.”  

“Over the last 20-30 years Vocational Technical programs have not received the attention or funding necessary to keep up with the technology changes on today’s medium and heavy-duty trucks,” Darakos continued.  “This truck will help afford the students an opportunity to bring today’s emissions and electrical systems into their classroom.  What they learn will be relevant to what they will see when they graduate and enter the workforce.   It is the industries responsibility to help make this happen and at PITT OHIO, we are trying to do our part.”   

PITT OHIO partners with numerous cooperative learning programs across the region, providing students with valuable experience working alongside seasoned professionals at PITT OHIO facilities. Students get to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, develop essential skills, and build their professional network.  Three of the five students hired are from Forbes Road CTC.  Alumni of the co-op program, Owen Templer, Seth Spisak and Tyler Ogilee completed mechanical repairs, cosmetic updates, and body repairs, in addition to detailing the tractor before it was donated.  “It’s awesome to see Seth, Owen and Tyler give back to where they started - Forbes Road Career and Technology Center,” Maun continued. 

Dominic Deluca, an instructor at Forbes Road CTC, said, “I’m grateful in many ways. I’ve worked hard over the years to keep the program current with industry standards.  This is a huge win for students to understand the latest technologies within the medium/heavy truck and equipment industry.  One must change with technology, and this will be a big change for both students and instructor.”

The donated Mack tractor is valued at $30,000.00 and will serve as a valuable training tool, providing students with firsthand experience in:

ABOUT PITT OHIO

PITT OHIO has been providing the best value in transportation and logistics solutions to our customers for over 44 years, reaching over $900 million in revenue last year.  Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, PITT OHIO services the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Northeast regions. In addition to their legacy LTL freight solution, PITT OHIO provides supply chain and logistics solutions including expedite, freeze protection, truckload, warehouse and distribution, container transloading, dedicated and more. To make this happen, and to fulfill PITT OHIO’s Purpose, they employ over 3,500 employees who are committed to doing the right thing every day.  Explore their website to see how PITT OHIO is dedicated to the safe and sustainable motor transport of products, doing right by their employees and their customers, and making a positive impact on the environment. To contact PITT OHIO, schedule service, or apply for employment, please visit their website at www.pittohio.com.

For more information, please contact:

Candi Cybator, Director of Marketing
[email protected]
412-232-3015, ext. 6313