With all the challenges 2020 has brought, the need for truck drivers has grown exponentially. To combat this challenge, Northeast Tech has partnered with Central Tech to launch a Truck Driver Training Program in Afton, Okla.
Tyrone Thiede, instructor of the Track Driver Training program, said the need for truck drivers in Oklahoma is extremely high.
“It's getting to the point where the age group that's driving now is starting to retire,” Thiede said. “We need to start filling those positions again. Plus, if we really start getting manufacturers to go to the United States, we're going to need more and more transportation products.”
The first Truck Driver Training course in Afton started in August. Students begin with a CDL preparation course. They then train at the course located in Big Cabin, Okla. At the end of this, students take their CDL test.
“We're not just teaching them to pass the test,” Thiede said. “We teach them how to operate the vehicle safely. There's a big difference between successfully testing and running one of these trucks.”
During their time behind the windshield, students learn a 90-degree back, parallel parking on a truck, and an off-set. Joshua Callaway, a current student in the program, said the best experience in the program so far was getting out on the road to drive for the first time.
“This is a great program,” Callaway said. “It's all about safety out here, and they treat you right.”
This training is for first timers as well as those looking to get back on track. Darla Raney, a current student in the program, is a 32-year former truck driver. After more than 20 years, he is returning to this career with a job already lined up after the program ends.
“Right now, if you get certified to drive a truck, there are a lot of jobs out there,” said Mike Reece, Director of Adult Education at the Afton Campus.
Although this is the first year for the Track Driver Training program at Northeast Tech, it has been very successful for the past 30 years at Central Tech. Over 95% of students who graduated from the program went on to find truck driving jobs.
“Obviously, we're not meeting the demand for truck drivers in Northeast Oklahoma,” Reece said. “We're trying to get enough training in this area to prepare and match people who need work with some of these companies that need drivers.”
The next Truck Driver Training course will be held in the Spring of 2021. To register, contact Mike Reece at (918) 257-8324.
About Northeast Tech
Northeast Tech campuses are located in Afton, Kansas, Pryor, and Claremore. Through its full-time day courses, short-term evening courses, and business and industry services and training, Northeast Tech serves more than 34,000 patrons annually. For more information about any of the available classes or training programs, visit Northeast Tech's website at www.netech.edu or call (918) 825-7040.