Wayne Community College’s Truck Driver Training program recognized its 12th graduating class at a ceremony on Dec. 14.Students in this program are tested through written and behind-the-wheel exams to ensure they have the skills and knowledge required to safely and successfully operate commercial vehicles.Graduates earn a Class A Commercial Driver’s License, DOT 380 certificate, and WCC Workforce Continuing Education certificate.
The 14 graduates, listed by hometown, are:
DunnDelano A. Blaizes
Four OaksBraxton D. EnnisGoldsboroLuis A. Guevara PantojaVictor Gutierrez HerreraStevie L. MittsXavier E. NewsomeCarlton R. SuttonFernando Trejo-ZamarripaMalik M. Williams
La GrangeJuan Castaneda TorresPikevilleAlonza E. BarnesEvan J. Trent
Snow HillHilario AguilarNicole S. Cannon
The College’s Truck Driver Training program was established in response to requests from local businesses and industries that need qualified drivers. WCC Vice President of Workforce Continuing Education Services and Community Engagement Renita Dawson said that on most lists of high-demand professions, truck driving is in the top three.
“We are proud to be able to provide qualified truck drivers to our employers who rely on transportation to distribute their goods and services,” Dawson said.
Graduate Delano Blaizes reflected on his time in the course during the ceremony, thanking his instructors and speaking fondly of his memories of the class. “I wasn’t able to come up with just one moment that I enjoyed the most about class because there isn’t one moment that I honestly won’t cherish,” he shared.
Alumna Cortney Kelly from the fifth Truck Driver Training graduating class also spoke at the ceremony. “It’s life-changing,” she said of her career. She congratulated the new graduates, noting that what they had accomplished was not easy and encouraging them to never give up.
Graduates of the program can expect to earn from $40,000 to $60,000 annually in their first year with an established company. Employment is available locally, regionally, and nationally in various industries, in governmental agencies, and by self-employment.
The next Truck Driver Training evening course will run from Jan. 9–Apr. 18, 2024. Classes will be held at the College from 6–10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturdays.The next-day course for the program will run from Feb. 5–Mar. 29, 2024. Classes will be held at the College from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.A list of enrollment requirements, as well as details about the program, can be found at https://www.waynecc.edu/truck.For more information about the Truck Driver Training program, contact WCC Workforce and Community Service Programs Coordinator Lisa Newkirk at [email protected] or (919) 739-6931.
