Open house for JWCC truck driver training program set for Aug. 2

QUINCY — An open house for the truck driver training program at John Wood Community College is set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2 at the Workforce Development Center, 4220 Koch’s Lane. The event is free and open to the public.

Representatives will give a brief presentation reviewing admission requirements, scholarships/funding options and career opportunities in the trucking industry. Visitors will learn about a 16-credit hour financial-aid eligible logistics/truck driver training certificate, as well as an online 8-week class.

“More than 2,000 students have earned a Class A CDL license through our program, but not all become over-the-road (OTR) drivers,” assistant professor of truck driver training Phil Steinkamp said in a prepared release. “Many students attend the program to become linemen or to work for municipalities. A Class A CDL opens so many doors.”

The program uses industry-standard equipment as teaching tools. Courses are certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute. Trucking companies representing local and national firms will recruit students in the program. Some employers may pay a driver’s tuition.

The next class starts Monday, Aug. 23. Classes meet Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., for seven weeks plus a one-week pre-session. For information, contact the truck driver training program at 217-641-4971 or 217-641-4914.