Alaska West Express was one of only 16 carriers in the nation to receive the Next Generation in Trucking Association's 2025 Career Catalyst Award. The certificate of recognition is in honor of outstanding commitment to fostering career growth, mentorship and professional development for the next generation in the transportation industry.
The new award program, sponsored by the National Transportation Institute, celebrates companies that are leading the way in building the trucking industry's future workforce. "Alaska West has spent considerable time and effort creating programs to encourage transportation careers among Gen Z and millennials," says Tyler Bones, Director of HSSE for Alaska West Express. "This recognition, and the success of the programs, makes it all worth it."
Alaska West Express won the Career Catalyst Award for its apprenticeship programs, work with technical and high schools, internships, and collaboration with the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Anchorage to move students into trucking careers after graduation. "We have worked with Next Generation in Trucking Association on a number of projects to help engage students, schools, and transportation companies to work together," Tyler adds.
"Alaska West Express's innovation, dedication, and investment in connecting with young people—whether through high school and college partnerships, apprenticeship programs, CDL training, or tech-enabled roles—sets an inspiring example for the entire industry," reads the award certificate. "We are incredibly proud to recognize these efforts to make trucking a first-choice career path and to cultivate environments where the next generation can thrive." Alaska West Express is one of very few trucking companies in the nation to be accepted into the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The program is designed for candidates ages 18 to 20.
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