Broadcast on WLOS, March 7, 2022
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Asheville–Buncombe Technical Community College is rolling out a truck driver training program that begins offering classes this month. The industry reports it needs 80,000 drivers nationwide.
The program will train students to get a commercial license in as little as five weeks.
Students will do 56 hours of online training, then more than 100 hours behind the wheel.
"It’s only gotten worse as truckers are retiring and they’re not able to replace them as quickly. So, we think there’s going to be a huge response to it," said Deborah Wright, the college’s vice president for Continuing Education and Economic & Workforce Development.
Students will get a commercial drivers license permit from the DMV. They will then have to pass a test to earn their full commercial license.
The first orientation session is scheduled for 11 a.m. March 17 at at the Ferguson Center for Allied Health and Workforce Development on the A-B Tech campus in Asheville. Students must register in advance and attend the orientation session in person. The first five-week course begins March 21 and new sessions will be offered every two weeks. A-B Tech also offers 10-week evening and weekend sessions.
Successful applicants must be 18 (or 21 for interstate commerce or hazardous materials trucking), hold a valid NC driver’s license and Social Security card, and pass a criminal background check and Department of Transportation physical and drug screen.
For more information, visit abtech.edu/truck, email truck@abtech.edu or call 828.398.7924.