Skills Training Division

Truck Driving Academy

 

Gadsden State’s Truck Driving Academy allows students to earn their way to approximately $50,000 a year after just six weeks of training.

 

“Our program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to drive trucks and buses, delivery and other commercial vehicles,” said Suzanne Zahorscak, director of the Skills Training Division. “Successful completers earn a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL).”

 

There’s currently a shortage of truck drivers nationwide. According to the American Trucking Association, the industry needs to hire almost 900,000 more drivers to meet the rising demand of transporting goods consumed in the U.S.

 

“When you earn your CDL, you are pretty much guaranteed a job,” she said. “Qualified drivers are in high demand, and trucking companies are willing to pay for those qualified drivers.”

 

Classes are taught in Etowah County every six weeks and require 240 hours of time. The classes are scheduled based on the needs of the student. Day, night and weekend classes are available.

 

To be considered for admittance, you must complete a Skills Training Admission Application, provide proof of a drug test, complete a Department of Transportation physical and submit a motor vehicle report. Tuition is $3,500 plus the costs of obtaining a DOT physical and drug test. Financial assistance may be available.

 

In addition to the Truck Driving Academy, Gadsden State’s Skills Training Division also offers many other short-term, non-credit training programs, such as Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Auto Body, Certified Nursing Assistant, Electrician Assistant, Machine Trades, Office Careers, Ready to Work and Welding.

 

“Our Skills Training Center provides a hands-on approach to give graduates the experience they need to be valuable employees,” she said.

 

 

 

 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

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Precision Machining

Salon and Spa Management

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MOU with Jacksonville State University

2+2 Poultry Science Program

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Nathan Boatwright and Alyssa Winkles

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Amanda Salers (HSDO)

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Truck Driving Academy

 

 

STUDENT & FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS

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Becky Duckett

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Matt Leder

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Audrey Webb

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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

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gadsdenstate.edu | 1001 George Wallace Drive | Gadsden, AL 35903 | 256.549.8200 | @gadsdenstate