WKCTC CDL Program Working to Fill Truck Driving Jobs

2030 may seem like a long time away, but in the world of truck driving, it's just around the corner. With current trends, a driver shortage is projected to surpass over 160,000 by the end of the decade and creates an estimated need to recruit nearly one million new drivers into the industry over the next 10 years, according to an October 2021 report by the American Truck Drivers Association (ATA).

According to the report, indicators for a trucking shortage include a high number of retirements, with more than 400,000 retiring through 2030; women making up less than 10% of drivers, well below their representation in the total workforce; an inability of some drivers to meet industry requirements such as passing drug testing and providing clean driving records, and additional drivers needed for industry growth.

Data from the ATA website states: "the industry moves 10.23 billion tons of freight annually, or 72.5% of total domestic tonnage shipped in the United States."

West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) continues to drive its role in trying to alleviate the shortage of big-rig drivers through its commercial driver's license (CDL) program offered at the Purchase Training Center near Mayfield. The four-week program consists of 160 hours of training, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes:

- CDL Class A preparation,

- Department of Transportation (DOT) drug screen,

- DOT physical,

- Classroom, range and road instruction led by a credentialed, experienced trucking professional,

- Hazmat endorsement,

- Map reading, trip planning and vehicle operation training,

- DOT rules, regulations and book instruction,

- Truck simulator,

- Class A road test administered by Kentucky State Police upon class completion, and a

- Certificate of completion.

The extensive program cost is $4,250.00, which covers tuition, instruction, DOT physical and DOT drug test needed for successful training delivery. Payment arrangements must be made before class begins. Financial assistance is available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and Vocational Rehabilitation programs, and several others, including assistance for individuals receiving Veterans Educational Benefits.

The next CDL offering at WKCTC begins Aug. 29.

For more details about the program, contact Peter Sierra at peter.sierra@kctcs.edu or 270-534-3366.