Ayers Campus cuts ribbon for trucking driving program
Gadsden State Community College hosted a ribbon cutting May 10, 2022, for its new truck driving program at the Ayers Campus. The program will teach students to drive trucks, buses, delivery and commercial vehicles.
According to the Alabama Trucking Association, truck driving is one of the Top 10 professions that will have a deficit over the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an increase of more than 90,000 drivers will be needed by 2031. Because of the industry growth, Gadsden State’s truck driving courses get to capacity quickly.
Baisha Woody, director of Skills Training at Gadsden State, said adding another site to the College’s truck driving program is a plus. Before, the College only had one training site in Gadsden.
“The program is a great benefit, not only in Anniston and Gadsden but for other surrounding areas,” she said. “Gadsden State is in the right place at the right time.”
During the comments at the ribbon cutting, Craig Burgess, vice president of transportation operations for BR Williams Trucking, said he and East AlabamaWorks have been working with Gadsden State to bring the program to Anniston. East AlabamaWorks strives to provide opportunities and motivation for people to expand and develop their skills to create a quality workforce and enhance economic prosperity.
“Gadsden State listened, and Gadsden State provided,” Burgess said. “It will help us increase our popularity of bringing in the younger generation to become truck drivers. Not everybody wants to go to college, so truck driving is a very good opportunity for young people to make a very good living.”
Dr. Kathy Murphy, president of Gadsden State, said once students finish the program, they can have direct entry into the workforce because of high demand.
“There are 5,818 job postings within a 60-mile radius of the very space we stand today,” she said. “Gadsden State has been responsive to the requests for training more commercial truck drivers. We are helping workforce development, business and industry and economic development.”
Classes for Gadsden State’s Truck Driving Program begin every six weeks and are 240 hours. Documents required to participate in the program include proof of drug testing, a DOT physical and motor vehicle report. Tuition is $3,500. Successful completers earn a Class A Commercial Driver’s License. For information on funding to cover the cost of the program, contact the local Alabama Career Center.
Learn more about the Truck Driving Program and other Skills Training options at www.GadsdenState.edu/Skills-Training.