Written by Christine Hagopian, President
Last week, PINE attended a regional Junior Achievement event, and standing at our exhibit table, which we proudly shared with the Paperboard & Packaging Council, there was an energy, and it was more than just a crowd of students; it was the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers.
Talking to hundreds of students in a single day is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Their curiosity was genuine, questions were engaging, and you could see their potential. Whether they were asking about job opportunities or the technology shaping our future, every interaction was an opportunity to plant a seed.
For PINE, attending these events isn’t just a “nice to do” activity. It is a cornerstone of our workforce development initiative.
Our members are always talking about the labor shortage and PINE is trying find the solution to the challenge at the ground level. To ensure a healthy future for our trade, we must show up where the talent is, demystify our industry for young people, and bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers.
Workforce development is a marathon, not a sprint. By exhibiting at this and other events like this, we are making a direct investment in our industry’s human capital.
We are showing these students, many of whom are just beginning to weigh their options, that there is a seat at the table for them in our industry. When we share our stories and our successes, we make our profession real to them. We aren’t just an abstract concept; we are a viable, exciting, and rewarding career path.
To our members: know that every time we engage with students, we are planting seeds to secure the long-term vitality of the work we all love.
