Four Star Freightliner’s Role in Prison-to-Workforce Pipeline

  
 

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (August 19, 2026) — Ingram State Technical College is unlike any other technical college in Alabama. Ingram serves students who are currently incarcerated in the Alabama prison system or under supervised release through the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, providing education and career training designed to help prepare them for successful reentry into the workforce.

That mission was at the center of Ingram's Fall Institute on August 17, where Four Star Freightliner's Montgomery Service Manager, Sonny Hartley, joined other employers for an Employer Panel Discussion focused on what it takes for Ingram students to successfully transition from technical training into the workplace.

Hartley shared a firsthand perspective from the heavy-duty truck industry, emphasizing that technical skills are only part of what makes a successful technician.

"Show up on time, have a good attitude, be willing to learn and check your ego at the door," Hartley told the group.

He also stressed the importance of communication and asking questions, particularly for technicians entering a shop where they will work alongside experienced professionals.

"The smartest people are the ones who ask questions," Hartley said.

Hartley explained that new technicians should expect to learn, work their way up and continue developing their skills. Four Star provides mentorship and additional training to help technicians expand their knowledge and work on the many systems found on today's heavy-duty trucks.

"You all train them, but then we're going to take them and put them through additional training so they can work on all the systems on a heavy-duty truck," he said.

Four Star has been a partner of Ingram for years. In 2022, Ingram launched its first apprenticeship program with Four Star as an employer partner. Through the program, diesel mechanic students have gained hands-on experience working alongside Four Star technicians in the company's shops while preparing for careers in heavy-duty truck service.

The Fall Institute brought together Ingram administrators, instructors, career coaches and support personnel to discuss correctional education, student engagement, and best practices. Cam Ward, Director of Pardons and Paroles for Alabama, and Albert Thomas, ADOC Associate Commissioner - Program Services, also participated in the event.

The broader discussion focused on investing in people, and the role education and employment can play in reducing recidivism and helping individuals successfully return to their communities.

About Four Star Freightliner
Four Star Freightliner prides itself on providing customers with world class truck products from Daimler (Freightliner and Western Star) and a full spectrum of services.  It maintains one of the most comprehensive networks of dealerships and service centers in the Southeast region. There are 8 locations to support customers’ needs: Montgomery, Ala.; Dothan, Ala.; Valley, Ala.; Georgiana, Ala.; Tifton, Ga., Valdosta Ga., Albany, Ga. and Midway, Fla. Visit us online at fourstarfreightliner.com.