ISTC finalist for award based on Four Star Freightliner partnership

Four Star Freightliner was on hand to support our community partner J.F. Ingram State Technical College during a presentation on our partnership that created the college's first Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship program.

The school, which serves incarcerated adults, is a nominee for the AlabamaWorks Region 5 Best Work-Based Learning awards. 

During the Jan. 18 presentation in Montgomery, Ala., ISTC administrators and Four Star's Service Manager Emanuel Owens spoke about the journey to create this unique program.

But the highlight had to be hearing from Prince Jenkins, the first diesel technician apprentice from Ingram. His passionate speech about second chances left an impression on everyone in the room. He stressed the need to remove stigmas and stereotypes associated with justice-involved individuals so that they can obtain an education and career that will allow them to be productive, contributing members of society. 

This Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship program is possibly the only certified apprenticeships where incarcerated individuals can gain an education and work with an in-field employer prior to an individual’s transition back into society.