Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG), a national leader in environmental services, has been awarded the 2025 Career Catalyst Award by the Next Generation in Trucking Association. Sponsored by the National Transportation Institute, the award recognizes organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in building robust, sustainable career pipelines for young talent in trucking and related industries.
The Career Catalyst Award spotlights employers that are reshaping the future of the transportation workforce through innovative training, youth outreach, and career development initiatives. Republic Services earned this prestigious honor for its significant contributions to workforce training through its Republic Services Technical Institute and its broader career development infrastructure.
“This recognition highlights our commitment to providing top-tier training at the Republic Services Technical Institute that supports career growth, enhances operational excellence, and drives the future of our workforce,” said Gregg Brummer, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Republic Services. “By investing in the development of new drivers and technicians, we’re building stronger careers and a stronger future for our company.”
Republic Services Technical Institute: A Model for Career Advancement
Founded in 2021 and located in Dallas, Texas, the Republic Services Technical Institute has quickly become the cornerstone of the company’s workforce development strategy. Originally launched to address a nationwide shortage of diesel technicians, the institute has since expanded its mission to include a wide range of high-impact, tuition-free, paid training programs aimed at cultivating a skilled and future-ready workforce.
The institute now provides career advancement opportunities not only for aspiring diesel technicians but also for drivers, warehouse associates, marine technicians, and newly hired supervisors. It serves both new hires and current employees, supporting the company’s goal of fostering internal mobility and long-term career progression.
Career Pathways for All Levels
Among its signature programs are:
- Apprenticeship Program: Provides structured entry-level training and career pathways in fields such as diesel technology and heavy equipment maintenance.
- In-House Driver Trainee CDL Program: Offers individuals without prior commercial driving experience an opportunity to earn their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) through a fully-funded, in-house curriculum.
- Continuous Development Program: Features over 50 advanced courses, taught by certified trainers and in collaboration with leading manufacturer partners, to help experienced technicians sharpen their skills and climb the career ladder.
- New Hire Supervisor Training: Launched on April 14, 2025, this program provides targeted, role-specific training for employees newly hired or promoted into supervisory roles. It reflects Republic Services’ broader commitment to equipping leaders with the skills necessary to succeed and support their teams.
Results that Speak for Themselves
In 2024 alone, the Republic Services Technical Institute achieved major milestones:
- 281 new diesel technicians successfully completed their training and entered the workforce.
- 165 employees earned their CDLs through the in-house driver training program.
These achievements underscore Republic’s dedication to creating not just jobs, but lifelong career paths in a traditionally underserved sector. The company’s integrated training model and investment in employee development have made it a standout in an industry facing recruitment and retention challenges.
Building the Future of the Trucking Workforce
The 2025 Career Catalyst Award is more than a trophy — it’s a validation of Republic Services’ forward-thinking approach to workforce development. The Next Generation in Trucking Association praised the company’s efforts to modernize training, collaborate with schools, and engage younger generations — particularly Gen Z and millennials — in meaningful career opportunities in trucking, logistics, and heavy equipment maintenance.
As the transportation and environmental services industries continue to evolve, Republic Services’ commitment to building a highly skilled, future-ready workforce stands out as a model for other companies to follow.
By creating inclusive, accessible pathways to employment and advancement, Republic Services is not only filling critical industry gaps but also reshaping how talent is trained, retained, and empowered across the nation.
With recognition like the Career Catalyst Award and a proven track record of success, Republic Services is cementing its position as a leader in workforce development — and ensuring that the next generation of technicians, drivers, and supervisors are equipped for long-term success.
About Next Generation in Trucking Association
The Next Generation in Trucking Association (NGT) is a national nonprofit trade association dedicated to cultivating a strong, diverse future workforce for the trucking industry to support the supply chain. We promote trucking careers to young people, build and enhance school-based training programs, connect students with today’s employers, and celebrate achievements across the industry. Through strategic partnerships with educators, industry leaders, and workforce organizations, NGT helps create meaningful career pathways in driving, diesel tech, logistics, and more. By raising awareness and removing barriers to entry, we’re inspiring the next generation to see trucking as a rewarding and essential career choice.
About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. is a leader in the environmental services industry. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides customers with the most complete set of products and services, including recycling, solid waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services. Republic’s industry-leading commitments to advance circularity and support decarbonization are helping deliver on its vision to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world.
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