Unlike some industries that struggle with job growth, others, like truck driving, are enjoying a wealth of employment opportunities.
Transportation and material moving occupations are projected to add 1.3 million new jobs by 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Perhaps this is why students like Kurt Wankowski of Friendswood, are going back to school to train as truck drivers.
“I did my research and knew of the employment opportunities in truck driving,” said Wankowski. “I checked out various schools offering courses, one even closer to my home, but I liked the fact that the San Jacinto College program is condensed and has a reputation for quality training.”
The retired Air Force veteran is hoping to interview for a job immediately after he completes the six-week truck driving program, something that proves very possible, according to John Stephens, commercial truck driving instructor at San Jacinto College.
“We have companies calling us all the time wanting to recruit,” said Stephens. “I also have company representatives visit our campus to talk to the students about the various employment opportunities.”
The San Jacinto College commercial truck driving program enjoys a near 100 percent job placement rate. The majority of the program’s graduates have opportunities available to them upon successful background checks.
Program curriculum covers general knowledge of truck driving, air brakes, doubles and triples, tank vehicles, hazardous materials, and pre-trip knowledge. Many students are eligible to apply for grants to cover the cost of the course through the Continuing and Professional Development division, which offers noncredit program options for work force training.
“Governmental agencies recognize the growing need for truck drivers as projects such as the Panama Canal expansion are completed and traffic increases,” said Dr. J.D. Taliaferro, director of Applied Technologies and Trades with the Continuing and Professional Development division at San Jacinto College. “Grant funding continues to be available, and we expect another round of funding very soon.”
To find out more about the San Jacinto College truck driving program, visit cpd.sanjac.edu/truck-driving or call 281-998-6150.
About the Continuing and Professional Development division
This noncredit division of the College provides training for both current and future employees in the professional and technical job sectors, as well as provides participants with open enrollment course options to enhance their lives. Professional and technical training is available through contract training, open enrollment and grant funding. For more information, call 281-476-1838.
Jeannie Peng-Armao