Inside Casella’s High School Recruitment Program

As workforce shortages continue to impact the trades industry, Casella has taken a proactive, hands-on approach to building its future talent pipeline. Through its high school recruitment program, the company is creating direct pathways for students to enter the workforce while also strengthening its ability to support long-term operational needs.

“When you analyze the trade industry today, you will find that for every five people getting ready to retire, there are only two coming in to replace them,” explained Casella Talent Acquisition Partner Tony Volpone, the driving force behind the initiative. “The need for this type of program is significant.”

With that gap continuing to widen, Casella recognized it needed to get ahead of the issue by finding ways to connect with younger talent and build a more sustainable pathway that introduces students to meaningful careers.

The program began with broad outreach. Volpone spent time visiting schools, introducing the company in classroom settings and during athletic practices, and being present at career fairs and other school events. The goal was not just visibility, but credibility.

“We were focused on getting the word out and building relationships,” said Volpone.

Within a year, that consistent presence began to shift the dynamic. Schools began inviting Casella in, requesting presentations, scheduling meetings with specific students, and even organizing field trips to Casella facilities.

“Today we are proactively being asked to come to schools,” he explained. “School educators have acknowledged how this collaboration has opened more opportunities for many students. Not all high school students are meant for college due to finances or interest, and this gives them another pathway.”

That momentum has translated into real outcomes. Students are now approaching Casella as early as their junior year, already thinking about how to position themselves for a job.

One of the program’s earliest success stories came from River Bend Career and Technical Center in Vermont, where student Alex Mattoon began working part‑time as a diesel mechanic while finishing high school.

“He impressed his manager enough to get promoted to full-time,” Volpone said, “And he’s now nearing his one‑year anniversary.”

At its core, the program is about more than just hiring, it’s about building a strong foundation. Casella works closely with educators to identify students who demonstrate reliability, work ethic, and strong character. As Volpone puts it, “we can always teach technical aptitude, but the hire must have the fundamental pieces.”

The program’s success has also enabled it to expand beyond its early roots in Vermont. It has since grown into New York and Maine, with managers across the company increasingly recognizing the value of investing in the next generation of workers. That growing support has played an important role in expanding the program’s reach and strengthening its long-term impact.

Looking ahead, Casella sees strong potential for continued growth. In the coming years, the goal is to begin seeing early hires advance within the company and to establish clearer career pathways for program participants.

Casella is also working toward registering its CDL and Diesel training programs as federal apprenticeships, which would expand opportunities and further strengthen training across its operating regions. As the program continues to evolve, it represents a long-term investment not only in the workforce, but also in the communities Casella serves.

For Volpone, the program’s impact is also personal. Moments of connection, like when a student asks how they can join the company, are what make the work meaningful.

“You can see the focus and excitement in their eyes,” said Volpone. “That’s why we do this.”