VGCC graduates fourth Truck Driver Training Program class
Left to right in the courtyard- picture with instructors: Back Row: Sean Manning, Tyquan Elam, Jalon Alston Middle Row: Wyticia Estes, Ryan Williams, Janika Williams, Lead instructor – Jim Womack, Asst. Instructor- Eric Burchette, Asst. Instructor- James Jones Front Row: Phillip Terry, Robin Smith, Avanti Brodie, Zavian Evans, Toney Fields, Adam Richardson, Cristina Hernandez (not pictured- Bobby Gillis)
Vance-Granville Community College celebrated the graduation of the fourth class in the short history of its Truck Driver Training, or CDL, program.
The program includes a combination of classroom instruction, range driving and road driving. With the end of training, students have successfully completed their official DMV road test, making them eligible for their “Class A” Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL-A) and fully employable as truck drivers.
“This is the fourth graduating class of CDL-A since we started the program back in February of 2020,” said Kyle Burwell, Director of Occupational Extension for VGCC. “This group has endured many days of high heat and humidity, as they worked to learn all the truck driving skills needed to obtain their CDL -A license.”
Burwell continued, “Vance-Granville is proud of this class and their accomplishments. A variety of employers visited the students to discuss employment opportunities over the nine weeks that class was in session. CDL truck driver training continues to be a very popular program, and early registration is highly encouraged for those who want to participate in future classes.”
“Participating in the CDL Truck Driver Training class at VGCC has made me very proud and given me the tools I need to succeed in the workforce,” said Cristina Hernandez of Kittrell, one of the new graduates. “I am especially grateful for my awesome instructors, my wonderful family, and all of those that supported me through this class. I am excited for my future!” Hernandez is also a graduate of Vance County Early College High School, a partnership of VGCC and Vance County Schools.
The fifth CDL class at VGCC began on August 9, and a sixth is scheduled to start in October, with a mandatory orientation session on Monday, September 20, at 10 a.m. The nine-week program is set to run from October 11 through December 16.
The program, certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI), is considered essential to meeting the needs of many companies who need drivers to move goods across the country. Local employers have shown strong support for VGCC’s program and have spoken to students about job opportunities. The college offers the program in collaboration with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI).
To enroll in the program, students must be at least 18 years old, have a valid North Carolina driver’s license, and be able to read and speak English well enough to take instructions from highway signs, to converse with officials, and to complete the required reports.
For those who qualify, there are opportunities for scholarships to partially defray the costs of tuition and fees.
For more information on the Truck Driver Training Program, please visit www.vgcc.edu/cdl/ or contact Kyle Burwell, Director of Occupational Extension, at 252-738-3276 or burwellk@vgcc.edu .
