South Plains College Truck Driving School seeks students

 

REESE CENTER – South Plains College Truck Driving School is looking for students interested in the trucking industry. The next class will run from April 8 through May 6, with a new class starting every two weeks. The cost is $4995. 

This is a 210-hour program that includes classroom, range and open road driving. 

“So far, we’ve had 100 percent job placement for people who finished the program,” said Jay Warnick, director of Continuing Education and Workforce Development. “This is an industry that recruits women as well as men.” 

Warnick said currently SPC does not have financial aid or funding available, however there is funding available through the Workforce Solutions of the South Plains to assist students interested in the school. He said ​Workforce Solutions of the South Plains has funding options for students under the age of 24, and a different funding option is available for individuals older than 24.​  

“The first thing I tell people who are interested in attending the school is to go by the Workforce Solutions office in either Levelland or Lubbock,” he said. “They can help explain the eligibility requirements for receiving funding to pay for the school.” 

Warnick said South Plains College currently is working to obtain the ability to process GI Bill funding. To apply for the school, interested students must complete the application form available at https://www.southplainscollege.edu/community/continuinged/drivertraining.php.    

The program focuses on the regulations governing the trucking industry and the qualifications for entry into the field. The purpose of this course is to certify and permit the students. During this course the students will be trained for their Class A licensing, as well as familiarizing themselves with the Department of Transportation rules and regulations.  

Students receive preparation for written examination, general truck driving skills with hands-on component, and instruction coordinated with the Department of Transportation. Students must be 21 years of age, possess a GED or high school diploma and have a valid Class C Texas Drivers Licenses. 

After graduation from the SPC Truck Driving School, the student will be (1) qualified to secure an entry level job as an over the road driver with a commercial driver’s license; (2) aware of safety procedures, alcohol and drug effects as well as the laws and penalties applicable to the professional driver; (3) proficient at performing pre-trip, on-the-road and post-trip vehicle and equipment inspections; (4) skillful in safe driving techniques; (5) capable of map reading, log books, cargo documentation, dispatch procedures, emergency responsibilities and regulations of transportation agencies; and (6) be able to travel across the United States and Canada in all kinds of weather and terrain. New classes begin every two weeks.  

For more information, contact Warnick at (806) 716-2547 or Kasey Reyes, administrative assistant, at (806) 716-2341.