ELLISVILLE — A commercial truck driving program that began this semester at Jones will begin new classes Oct. 22.

This program will prepare students for employment as an over-the-road driver. It will be held for 8 weeks, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The program is open to interested applicants over the age of 21, with a valid driver’s license who has a clean driving record and can pass a DOT physical and drug screening.

With two instructors, JCJC will be able to offer two eight-week sessions, twice in the fall and the spring semesters. There is also a possibility that the school may offer this program during the summer. The course instructors, Kim Bridges and Sidney Talley, have over 40 years combined experience in the trucking industry.

“This truck driving school will provide the commercial truck driving industry with competent productive and safe professional drivers. Commercial truck drivers are in great demand,” said instructor Bridges.

In an effort to promote the use of the latest technology, Dr. Smith and the JCJC Board of Directors are putting words into action. They have approved the purchase of the TranSim IV Driving Simulator, which will provide students with life-like scenarios that include flat tires, bad weather, other vehicles, and debris. This will improve the drivers’ skills before they begin actual on-the-road driving. It also teaches the students important techniques such as proper parking, fuel efficient driving, and correct engine operations.

Candace Weaver, Assistant Dean of Career and Technical Education, is pleased with the new program and excited about the new virtual reality technology.

“The program will produce higher quality students and higher quality truck drivers,” said Weaver. “This program, like all of our Career and Technical programs, works closely with business and industry to ensure that students possess those skills that will make them excellent employees with highly marketable skills.”

Added instructor Talley, “The need for truck drivers will remain strong to transport perishable and time-sensitive goods more effectively than alternate modes of transportation. An opportunity in truck driving is favorable over the next several years as it has among the greatest number of job openings each year.”

Students successfully completing this course will receive a vocational certificate.

Sabrina Chess is a JCJC intern and Candace Weaver is the assistant dean of career and technical education.