Earlier this month, our team and members of our workforce partner network were welcomed to tour the UPS hub in Walton, Kentucky as a part of our Employer Tours program. The tour gave our partners an opportunity to witness the scale and complexity of UPS operations firsthand while learning about the wide range of career pathways available across transportation, logistics, engineering, information technology, and skilled trades.
Led by Aaron Boyer, UPS Talent Acquisition Specialist, and Greg Oleary, UPS Security Manager, the tour provided insights into UPS’s workforce needs, training opportunities, and career advancement pathways that support long-term employee growth.
Building Careers Through Education and Advancement
UPS leaders emphasized the company’s strong promote-from-within culture and the importance of learning operations from the ground up. Many employees begin their careers as package handlers or sorters to gain experience and develop a deeper understanding of the logistics network and the customer service standards that drive daily operations. As employees develop a solid knowledge foundation and a reliable reputation, handlers and sorters become eligible for upward advancement opportunities within the organization, helping them grow their careers to new heights.
UPS also offers several education assistance programs that help employees pursue postsecondary credentials while building their careers with the company. These benefits include tuition assistance, tuition reimbursement, and direct payment programs at institutions across the Tri-State.
A Look Inside Hub Operations
During the tour, we observed several key areas of the facility including the unload operation where packages enter the building and begin their journey through the sorting system. Similarly, the unload and package handling operations often represent the beginning of an employee’s career “journey” with UPS.
The day-to-day life of an employee at this stage begins with a daily safety meeting lead by shift supervisors. Safety for workers is a top priority for UPS, and each shift begins with a conversation that reinforces safe work practices across the facility. Following the safety briefing, employees receive a trailer assignment for the morning’s unload.
UPS has invested heavily in automation to improve efficiency for moving packages throughout the hub. Even with advanced technology, though, unload and handler team members are essential to managing oversized and heavier shipments.
The group also visited the facility’s control room, which serves as the operational command center or “central nervous system” for the hub. In the control room, supervisors monitor activity throughout the building, coordinate operations across departments, and identify any potential issues before they affect service.
Career Opportunities Beyond Package Handling
UPS leaders highlighted several career pathways available to employees who seek long-term growth opportunities.
One example is the feeder department, which manages the hub’s semi-truck operations. Approximately 125 feeder drivers support inbound and outbound transportation activity. Most feeder drivers begin their careers in package handling or sorting roles before pursuing on-road delivery positions and feeder driver training programs.
The company typically selects a limited number of employees each year for feeder school, creating a structured pathway for advancement. During the holiday season, UPS also hires seasonal CDL drivers and provides on-the-job training to support increased shipping demand.
The tour also showcased opportunities within industrial engineering, operations engineering, and information technology. These teams plan facility operations, manage technology systems, and help ensure packages move efficiently through the network. UPS representatives noted that many employees enter these roles through internships or directly after college and receive additional training on the job. Strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and relevant technical backgrounds help candidates succeed in these positions.
Attendees also learned about careers within the automotive and industrial maintenance departments. UPS employs both vehicle and industrial mechanics to maintain equipment and fleet operations. While candidates often bring experience from automotive, military, marine, or other mechanical backgrounds, UPS values demonstrated hands-on experience and technical expertise.
Understanding Workforce Challenges
UPS leaders also discussed current workforce challenges, particularly around hiring and retention. Since the company no longer conducts traditional interviews for many entry-level positions, some new hires arrive with expectations that do not fully align with the realities of the work. This disconnect can contribute to early turnover during the first few weeks of employment.
To address ongoing staffing needs, UPS regularly posts openings for package handlers and continues to focus on building a pipeline of employees who can grow into future roles.
The Employer Tour provided attendees with valuable insight into the people, technology, and processes that keep one of the world’s largest logistics networks moving. By opening its doors to workforce and education partners, UPS demonstrated how strategic training, career advancement opportunities, and strong employer partnerships help create pathways to rewarding careers throughout the region.
By: Jackson Fort
Coordinator, Workforce Innovation Center at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber
