Industry

Sherwood Freightliner

  • Diesel Truck, Heavy Equipment & Power Generation

With ever-changing tools and technology, preparing tomorrow’s workforce can be a complex undertaking. Thanks to the Corporate Tomorrow Makers program at Penn College, the relationship between industry and education is mutually beneficial. Students get scholarship opportunities and hands-on experience with equipment just like they’ll find in the field. Plus, industry partners get skilled professionals to fill in-demand positions. It’s a win-win for the future.

 

Sherwood Freightliner

Meet Our Partner

Since 1925, the Sherwood family has had franchise dealerships for transportation. Along with General Motors and Ford, the Sherwoods have Freightliner, Western Star, and Isuzu dealerships in Pennsylvania. Now in its fourth generation, the organization has dealerships located in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming counties. Daimler Trucks of North America (DTNA), the Freightliner and Western Star parent company, has a 42% market share in North America. ICTA (Isuzu Commercial Trucks), the Isuzu Trucks parent company, has a 72% market share in low-cab-forward trucks in North America.

Industry Partnerships

Q&A with Sherwood Trucks

HOW DID YOUR COMPANY FIRST CONNECT WITH PENN COLLEGE?

Penn College applied for membership in the Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) support program called “GET AHEAD”. A dealership must support and sponsor, which Sherwood dealership gladly commits to. Penn College receives discounts and donations from DTNA and Sherwood along with internet access to DTNA service procedures and troubleshooting. DTNA has 60 training/technology schools in Mexico, Canada and the United States. Penn College ranked 17th in 2021. Congratulations to the college, students, and great staff.

HOW HAS ENROLLING AS A CORPORATE TOMORROW MAKER ENHANCED YOUR PARTNERSHIP WITH PENN COLLEGE?

We complement each other. We know students and parents of Penn College and value their opinion. We want to be the best dealership to spend a career at. We want to be a leader that the other dealers and businesses look to replicate. We appreciate Penn College and Penn College appreciates Sherwood as we join in placing students in long lasting Sherwood careers.

WHAT QUALITIES OF PENN COLLEGE STUDENTS MAKE THEM STAND OUT FOR YOUR OPERATIONS?

Penn College students/graduates are well-rounded, knowledgeable techs. They have a real interest in pursuing a vocational career. Penn College prepares them for future “Daimler” training and skills.

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR COMPANY ATTRACT OUR STUDENTS AND FUTURE STUDENTS TO JOIN YOUR OPERATION?

In 2021 the Sherwood dealership had 90 employees and the owners look at those 90 people as members of the dealership family. You are not a number, but an important part of the Sherwood team.

Sherwood has its own DTNA approved and certified training center. Our trainer went through a DTNA certification program and is 100% compliant to teach and certify technicians from any DTNA dealership in the country, along with training our own people. This is a $1.8 million dollar investment.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE WITH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (AND PARENTS) WHO ARE CONSIDERING PENN COLLEGE?

Sherwood is proud of its association and partnership with Penn College. Penn College has the best facility and program that I’ve seen. Sherwood is proud to invest, donate, and support Penn College. We recommend the diesel program at Penn College to everyone wanting a quality professional education. We valued the December Skills Competition because it gave high school students and parents a hands-on "wow" factor–experience that a brochure can’t give.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PENN COLLEGE STUDENTS TO BETTER PREPARE THEM TO JOIN YOUR TEAM?

The strong alliance with Penn College provides graduates with a strong base knowledge that allows the student/graduate to fit into our dealership easily and comfortably. The Sherwood dealership believes in providing the tools to get any job done and investing to turn our techs into superstars. This partnership with Penn College works and it works very well.

Industry Connections

"There is tremendous opportunity at Penn College. Pay attention and strive to be the best. Excel in computer training and diagnostics, because most problems today require a laptop to repair. To keep your career interesting and exciting, work at a dealership. There will be 20 different problems on 20 different trucks every day."

 

Mark Novitch

Senior Vice President

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