
SMITHFIELD, N.C. (WNCN) — At Johnston Community College’s truck driver training program students are learning all the tools to operate big trucks.
It’s always been a dream of student Dalton Snipes.
“Eventually I want to own my own truck one day and then go from there,” said student Dalton Snipes.
Johnston Community College is working to train more young people like him as truck drivers.
They’re now offering a new program that allows high school seniors to get hands on skills in truck driving and eventually receive their commercial driver’s license (CDL). It’s through the Career and College Promise (CCP) dual-enrollment program. They’re the first in the state to offer tuition-free training to high school seniors.
“It’s going to be a program where they can start learning about truck driving in school and then once they turn 18, we’ll be able to actually put them on the road and do all the training that will get them their CDL license,” said instructor Rusty Jernigan.
Not only are students learning how to operate real trucks but they’re also learning from high-tech simulators.
“We teach them on harder vehicles to maneuver so when they have a larger vehicle, they’re able to maneuver into tight city spaces and do the things that’s required to be a good truck driver,” said Jernigan.
The program comes as the truck driver industry faces a shortage not only nationally— but worldwide.
A November report from the International Road Transport Union shows 3 million truck driver positions around the world are unfulfilled. They expect the shortage to double in 2028.
“The majority of truck drivers are over 50 years old and they’re retiring, and they are stepping down and we haven’t had a good infrastructure to build the criteria and the supply of new drivers. We’re behind the ball on it,” said Jernigan.
Students believe programs like JCC’s will help fill that gap.
“There’s a lot of drivers needed and there’s big money out there to be made so you might as well do it,” said student Doyle Ray Boggess.
High school seniors who wish to apply have to turn 18 years old by April 30th of their graduating year.
North Carolina drivers with a CDL between the ages of 18 and 21 can drive within state lines. You can find more information on the program here.
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