New CDL training announced for ESCC
ENTERPRISE – On Thursday, June 7, 2018, Enterprise State Community College announced it will lead the region’s new commercial driver’s license and commercial learner’s permit training at the Alabama Aviation College in Ozark, AL. The six-week training continues the College’s mission of promoting and creating programs which directly meet the integral needs of the region’s workforce.
Matt Rodgers, President at ESCC, said we are quickly adapting to what is being demanded from local industry.
“This program is a great example of how local state government, industry, and the Alabama Community College System is working as one to meet the needs of our region. We are pleased to offer this training for our region of the state.” he said.
Governor Kay Ivey, applauds Enterprise State for thinking toward the future and having the initiative to establish a CDL program at the Alabama Aviation College.
“Truck Driving is a high demand job annually and we strive to make sure our workforce is ready for the jobs that come. This program fulfills that goal and continues to improve Alabama’s workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.” Governor Ivey said.
Representative Martha Roby, thinks the program is another great example of how Enterprise State Community College is expanding and developing to continue to meet the needs of the Wiregrass region, the Second Congressional District, and the entire State of Alabama. She states, “I am proud of this new development, and I am always impressed by ESCC’s constant forward progress to offer opportunities that develop our region’s workforce.”
AAC’s CDL training for the Class A license and endorsements will provide instruction on the required driver license testing information and training required by federal regulation for Alabama’s licensing of commercial driving standards. Students enrolled in the training will experience both written and on-the-road training that prepares drivers for varying positions within the trucking industry.
Danny Long, Dean of Instruction at ESCC, said providing the instruction in an academic environment ensures that the integrity of the curriculum and level of instruction will be high quality.
“Certified truck drivers have an awesome responsibility to keep themselves and other drivers safe, and we are committed to producing quality graduates. This will be a tremendous opportunity to serve one of our community’s greatest workforce demands and provide a more convenient situation for our residents to enter a high wage profession,” he said.
A collaboration among regional trucking business leaders and college officials throughout Alabama has resulted in a customized, focused approach to CDL training at AAC that creates awareness of several high-demand employment options within the trucking industry.
According to the Alabama Department of Labor and Statistics, an additional 100 positions were filled in a year’s time within Dothan area transportation, warehousing and utilities jobs, with 3,400 workers within those areas. Nationally, an estimated 570,000 individuals worked as industrial truck and tractor operators last year, with a mean hourly wage of $17 per hour.
“Community is at the very center of everything we do and ensuring Alabamians are trained for available jobs in their communities is an important part of our System’s mission,” Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker said. “With several trucking companies in the area looking to hire skilled and qualified workers and pay them a good wage, Enterprise State Community College and the Alabama Aviation College are responding to local needs and providing important opportunities for the community they serve.”
The Alabama Aviation College will offer 8 CDL training courses per year. The first 6-week CDL training begins Fall 2018. Students interested in the program can contact Jenna Judah, Recruiter at the Alabama Aviation College, 334-347-2623 x3630 or email jjudah@escc.edu, for more information.
Photo Cutline: Left to Right: Nick Moore, Education Policy Advisor for the Governor; Representative Donnie Chesteen, House District 87; Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker; ESCC President Matt Rodgers; Representative Steve Clouse, House District 93; Bob Bunting, Mayor of Ozark, AL; Ryan Richards, Director of Workforce Development, Southeast AlabamaWorks