JWCC holding truck driver training course in Pittsfield; more classes planned
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By DAVID CAMPHOUSE
David Camphouse/Pike Press
A six week session of John Wood Community College’s (JWCC) Truck Driver Training (TDT) program started in Pittsfield on April 24. The program is held at JWCC’s Southeast Education Center (SEC) and at a range owned by LSSD Trucking. A second six-week TDT session is planned for fall semester in Pike County, which will start Aug. 28.
A six week session of John Wood Community College’s (JWCC) Truck Driver Training (TDT) program started in Pittsfield on April 24. The program is held at JWCC’s Southeast Education Center (SEC) and at a range owned by LSSD Trucking.
According to JWCC’s Lead TDT Instructor Phil Steinkamp, JWCC’s TDT program has identified a need for truck driver training courses in Pike County and the eastern portions of JWCC’s district.
“There’s demand for truck drivers everywhere,” Steinkamp said. “There’s always been a need for it in Pike County. Having the class here is just the college better servicing the southeast portion of our area.”
Steinkamp said that there are students in the current Pike County TDT course from Calhoun, Scott, and Morgan counties.
The JWCC TDT program, Steinkamp said, engages with employers in the trucking industry, so that the program better understands the needs of employers and trends in the industry. In Pike County, Steinkamp said the program leveraged relationships with local employers to design and launch the current TDT course being held in the county.
“Wes Dunham from LSSD Trucking is on our advisory committee,” Steinkamp said. “He offered the use of LSSD’s range by the park-and-ride for our classes.”
A second six-week TDT session is planned for fall semester in Pike County.
“Our next class will run from Aug. 28 to Oct. 5,” Steinkamp said. “There’s already interest in that August session. We’ve planned for two classes in Pike County this year. Our goal is to be down there three times next year.”
According to JWCC Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Tracy Hagman, expanding the TDT program plays a vital role in helping the local economy and improving the career prospects of individuals living in the area.
“The trucking industry is a crucial part of the economy; truck driving programs can contribute to the growth and stability of this industry,” Hagman wrote in a statement. “By producing skilled drivers, JWCC helps meet the demand for transportation services and support the movement of goods and products across the country. JWCC’s Truck Driving Program is critically important because we provide students with job opportunities, skills training, career advancement and contribute to the economic growth of the trucking industry. Truck driving is an in-demand profession, and many employers are looking for qualified drivers. By offering a truck driving program, JWCC can help students prepare for this career path and increase their chances of finding a job.”
