MASSILLON, Ohio — Hill International Trucks’ Canton location donated an International LT truck and a complete engine overhaul kit to the Diesel Technician Program at RG Drage Career Technical Center in Massillon, Ohio.

The donation is part of Hill’s ongoing commitment to investing in skilled trade education and helping build pathways for students to step into high-demand local jobs.

The gifted truck and engine overhaul kit will serve as a hands-on learning experience for students. Jason Shaner, heavy truck and diesel instructor at RG Drage, plans to rebuild the engine with his class, turning it into a milestone project that will not only test their skills but prepare them for the future. Shaner is a former student of the same program and understands what opportunities like this can mean. He is passionate about giving the students projects that emulate real-world challenges which can be done best when students have a real truck in front of them.

The relationship between Hill and RG Drage has been established for several years. Students in the program have had the opportunity to visit Hill’s Canton dealership to see first-hand how a best-in-class shop operates, learn about possible career paths, and speak directly with professional diesel technicians, commercial parts professionals, and the Hill leadership team. “When students visit Hill’s shop, something clicks,” Shaner explained. “The increase in maturity is almost instant after those visits. The juniors come back different. They’ve seen what life could look like out there, and that’s something no classroom lecture can teach.”

Students don’t have to go to Hill to experience the real-world career paths that are available. General Manager Michael Murphy, Service Manager Mark Donnadio and several others from the Hill team frequently travel to RG Drage to meet with the students, offer support and reinforce the connection between what students are learning in the classroom and the careers that await them after graduation.

Graduates of RG Drage have already made their way into full-time careers with Hill. One former student, Ethan Longnecker, accepted a full-time position at Hill’s Canton location and quickly became a top performer.

“Ethan’s commitment to excellence and dedication to growth earned him our highest award, Partner of the Year. A recognition that was well deserved,” Murphy said.

Success stories like Ethan’s are becoming more common. This year, Shaner had a record-setting 20 seniors placed in industry jobs before graduation, a milestone he attributes in part to the visibility and credibility Hill gives the program.

“Hill International Trucks is proud to support local communities and help grow skilled trades in the region,” said Jared Williams, executive vice president at Hill. “Our partnership with Jason and the RG Drage program is one we truly value and look forward to continuing. Jason’s program consistently produces motivated, dependable graduates with a strong sense of community.”

Hill International Trucks is proud to support the Diesel Technician Program at RG Drage Career Technical Center and plans to do so for many years to come.