​HSHT Progress Rail Employer Presentation

Students from Pierce County High School learned about operations and careers at Progress Rail in Patterson, Georgia.  The presentation began with a video of company operations showing how the company builds and contributes to rail transportation.  The company manager explained that they are the rail division of The Caterpillar Company.

Students were extremely engaged as Billy Thompson, the company manager, explained how they operate as a team.  He shared information about becoming a member of the team, which he said is more like becoming a member of the family.  He told students to plan for a long interview when interviewing for Progress Rail. He wants to know all about the potential new team member and their family. Mr. Thompson also shared appropriate attire for the interview.  He told students tips about what would impress him as the hiring authority for Progress Rail, and the importance of not bringing their cell phone into the interview.  He shared minimum qualifications and the vacant positions they are hiring for now.  Mr. Thompson shared company benefits and salaries, and the importance of offering competitive wages to ensure his employees desire to remain with the company.

Mr. Thompson used his own experiences to help students understand how they can join the company in an entry level position, remain committed, and open to learning and growing to expect promotions into leadership roles.
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This presentation was on Feb 24th.  On March 9th, the Pierce County high school contact shared that one of the students has an upcoming interview with Progress Rail.  He learned about this opportunity and how to prepare for the interview because of the HSHT Employer Presentation.