Technician Praises Penske’s Top-Notch Training
July 16, 2019
Great pay, solid benefits and a flexible schedule are just some of the things Penske technicians enjoy when working for the industry leader.
<p>However, one thing that carries just as much significance is the continuous training opportunities – a benefit that Megan Kitto, a Penske technician in Ontario, Canada, says was a determining factor in her choosing a career at Penske.</p><p>“The training we receive is important to me,” she said. “If you don’t get training, you won’t be able to increase your knowledge and take your career to new heights.”</p><p><strong>An Itch for Learning</strong></p><p>After buying her first vehicle, a ’93 pickup truck, Kitto (pictured below) knew there would come a time when she would have to make a few repairs and conduct routine maintenance on it, but there was one problem: she didn’t know how. Kitto looks to her uncle, an automotive service manager, as the person who encouraged her to pursue a technical career.</p><p><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="407765abc1d6bdb8a98ef7294bccbba9" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="cb761" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMTk5NDU0Ny9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MTQ5MDY0Mn0.zk9T0aZT9daJR-AXtmvfrPdWtWZ2SFzUdw42r28cQWw/img.jpg?width=980"/></p><p>“I knew I needed to learn, and he helped me get started,” Kitto said.</p><p>When she joined Penske, Kitto came with two years of work experience. When asked what led her to where she is today, she says that at her last job, Penske was viewed as the next step in your career progression among many technicians.</p><p>“Everybody from my first shop makes Penske their next stop,” she said. “The top-notch training at Penske is what all of my co-workers would talk about. Before I came here, my friend told me the company offers so much training.”</p><p>The technology and training are what Kitto says have a huge impact on helping her have a rewarding career and leaving her proud of what she does. It’s no surprise this technician feels like she’s at the right place.</p><p>“The pride in knowing that you took something that was broken and needed repaired, you fixed it, and now it’s driving down the road; that’s what’s rewarding about what I do,” Kitto said. “My job would be more frustrating if I didn’t know what I was doing. The training at Penske prepares you to take on anything that may come your way.”</p><p><strong>Connecting and Supporting Others</strong></p><p>Kitto admires the inclusive and supportive work culture Penske offers to its employees. And in an effort to support others in the field, a few years ago, she created a personal social media group as a forum for female technicians to interact and share each other’s experiences. Currently, the group has more than 500 followers from all over the world (e.g., North America, Europe, Africa and Australia).</p><p>“The platform serves as a great place to ask questions and discuss different things we encounter while on the job,” said Kitto. “Everyone is supportive of each other and is always happy to offer career advice.”</p><p><strong>Move Your Career Forward</strong></p><p>Penske is always looking for qualified technicians to join the team. For information on career opportunities at Penske, <a href="https://penske.jobs/mechanics-technicians/" rel="noopener noreferrer">click here</a>.</p><p><em>By Chris Abruzzo</em></p></div>
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Technician Experiences Great Career Growth at Penske
May 21, 2019
Throughout the month of May, in support of the TechForce Foundation’s “Women Techs Rock” initiative, Penske Truck Leasing is spotlighting some of their own female technicians who are thriving in their roles and setting examples for future techs.
<p>The TechForce Foundation is an organization with a mission to champion students through their education and into careers as professional technicians.</p><p>One Penske technician who is thriving in her role is Nicky Long from Ohio.</p><p>For as long as she can remember, Long always loved to tinker with things. Whether it was with small objects lying around the house or her family’s car in the garage, she had a passion to work with her hands. But, the journey that got her to where she is today was one with a few more pit stops than even she expected.</p><p>“I started out driving a school bus and then heavy-duty trucks for many years,” Long said. “And after seeing how they’ve evolved and learning what happens when one breaks down, I decided I wanted to shift gears and repair them.”</p><p>In her mid-30s, Long went to technical school to become a technician and occasionally would sit in on career presentations from various job recruiters. In 2018, after hearing what Penske recruiters had to say about the company and culture, she applied for an entry-level service position and got it.</p><p><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8d3796a21ffecc83e2c7e28f59745e04" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="628c9" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMTk5NDQ3NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NTc1MjMwOX0.n8t3R61JyTV5xeocbrg8YlKltMjrxtPe_ue7ZgLR9Qk/img.jpg?width=980"/>When asked what she enjoys most about her job, she says, “No truck is the same. Whether it’s a Freightliner, Hino, Volvo or something else, I get exposed to a bunch of different brands and models of vehicles. I really like that.”</p><p>Long’s passion for making repairs and striving for excellence are just a few of the things that have made her the successful technician she is today in such a short amount of time. In less than two years, Long has been promoted twice. And although she continues to look ahead and continue her career growth, she doesn’t forget what’s gotten her here.</p><p>“I’ve given my blood, sweat, tears and heart to this job,” Long said. “So, when I get to work on something that’s outside the norm, that’s rewarding to me. A year ago, I would have never thought that I would be in the position I’m in today, and it’s because of hard work.”</p><p>There’s no doubt that hard work is part of the formula to a rewarding career. And for Long, she also credits the countless opportunities that exist at Penske.</p><p>“The training and tools that Penske gives you to be a better technician are really good,” she said. “The career growth and opportunities are there. It’s what you make of them.”</p><p><strong>Move Your Career Forward</strong></p><p>Penske is always looking for qualified technicians to join the team. For information on career opportunities at Penske, <a href="https://penske.jobs/mechanics-technicians/" rel="noopener noreferrer">click here</a>.</p><p><em>By Chris Abruzzo</em></p></div>
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Penske Technician Finds Joy in Her Rewarding Career
May 14, 2019
In support of the TechForce Foundation’s “Women Techs Rock” initiative this month, Penske Truck Leasing is spotlighting some of their own technicians who are thriving in their roles and setting examples for future techs.
<p>The TechForce Foundation is an organization with a mission to champion students through their education and into careers as professional technicians.</p><p>One Penske technician who is breaking barriers is Lauren Hall from Iowa.</p><p>For years, Hall has been doing what she loves: repairing all things mechanical. As a high school student, she spent time working on cars with her brother, identifying engine and driveline issues and learning basic car repair.</p><p>During a career day while in high school, Hall listened to Universal Technical Institute’s (UTI) presentation. They spoke about some of the opportunities and programs that existed for students interested in pursuing a technical career – immediately sparking her interest.</p><p><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="88f50078539099176e09694555ba1552" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="c3b51" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMTk5NDQ3MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MjYxNTgxOH0.ie44X4CqJ-59OtPHzZUrQKjEgGpNKOsl-5uN77RY8y8/img.jpg?width=980"/></p><p>After graduating from high school, she enrolled and completed her degree in UTI’s Automotive, Diesel and Industrial program in 2012.</p><p>“Working on diesel engines is both physically and mentally challenging,” Hall said. “That is what makes it rewarding. With the advancements in modern chassis, and the different systems that run them, problem solving is a daily process and something I enjoy. There is a lot of personal satisfaction I receive after diagnosing and correcting those faults.”</p><p>Since joining Penske in 2015, Hall says she’s happy and couldn’t picture herself working any place else.</p><p>“The Penske work environment is different in that it enabled me to use all of the skills I learned at UTI,” she said. “Previous employers wanted to restrict the type of work that I did.</p><p>“After I interviewed with Penske, I was presented with an offer the very next day. Penske has fulfilled their vocational promises to me.”</p><p>After four years with Penske, Hall has been challenged with roles of higher responsibility with outstanding results. It’s that career growth and demonstrated potential that has her leaving work every day with a smile on her face. So where does she see herself down the road?</p><p>“Short term, I see myself continuing to learn and develop my technical skills, as well as expanding my knowledge base,” she said. “Eventually, I’d like to become a manager and have the opportunity of managing a Penske location.</p><p>“Penske offers amazing continuing education for all associates, including managers and maintenance supervisors. Their management teams are respectful and supportive; they ensure you understand they want you to succeed.”</p><p><strong>Move Your Career Forward</strong></p><p>Penske is always looking for qualified technicians to join the team. For information on career opportunities at Penske, <a href="https://penske.jobs/mechanics-technicians/" rel="noopener noreferrer">click here</a>.</p><p><em>Stay tuned for another technician spotlight coming later this month.</em></p><p><em>By Chris Abruzzo</em></p></div>
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Penske Supports TechForce’s 2019 FutureTechs™ Rock Awards
March 12, 2019
Penske Truck Leasing is a proud supporter of the TechForce Foundation, an organization with a mission to champion students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians.
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The organization's latest initiative, the <a href="https://www.techforcefoundation.org/futuretechsrock/" rel="noopener">2019 FutureTechs™ Rock Awards</a>, seeks the best students enrolled in transportation technician educational programs across the country. Categories include:
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<ul class="ee-ul">
<li>Automotive</li>
<li>Diesel - On-Road<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="52b2c43d3f6c3322eeb92fd7b4a8b046" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="c57cb" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMTk5NDQyMy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNTg3NjM1OH0.EPtgPRjS1Nf5dvSCxEHmwDx2gVF9d0Z1k-suDIAMT50/img.jpg?width=980"/></li>
<li>Diesel - Off-Road</li>
<li>Motorcycle & ATV</li>
<li>Marine & Watercraft</li>
<li>Aviation</li>
<li>Motorsports</li>
<li>Restoration</li>
<li>Collision Repair</li>
</ul>
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Winners will be eligible to win special prizes, a TechForce Foundation Scholarship, and be recognized throughout the industry. Do you know a FutureTech all-star? Click the <a href="https://info.techforcefoundation.com/future-techs-rock-awards-2019">link</a> to submit a nomination.
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Penske is always looking for qualified technicians to join the team. For information on career opportunities at Penske, <a href="https://penske.jobs/mechanics-technicians/" rel="noopener">click here</a>.
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<em>By "Move Ahead" Staff</em>
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