Creating clearer paths for employee growth with Professional Development

(0:02) Employees were saying, “I want to grow, but I don’t know what opportunities exist. I don’t know what skills I need or how to get there. I don’t even know where to start.” (0:14) My name is Nikki Hicks, and I currently lead talent development. (0:20) Wabash is a world-class manufacturer of advanced engineered solutions and services for the transportation and logistics industry. Employees are the backbone of our business. They’re the ones who build our products. (0:36) When someone raises their hand and says, “I want more,” we have a responsibility to meet them with something meaningful. (0:44) Behavioral and professional skills showed up as critical. We knew we needed an education partner that was not just an off-the-shelf training program. (0:55) What stood out immediately was the willingness to listen. They didn’t come in with what felt like a prepackaged solution. (1:05) The Career Pathways program combined six online skill modules with a one-on-one mentorship program. Employees would complete a module and then meet with their pathway partner. (1:21) It wasn’t just learning content. We had learning, reflecting, applying and experiencing—and that was the rhythm that made this program work. (1:28) We had someone say, “You’re really listening to us.” (1:35) I would say: Start by listening, and make development practical. Tie it to real roles, skills and support.