This award supported Johnston Community College’s $2.7 million expansion of its Truck Driver Training program. With the current shortage of truck drivers in North Carolina estimated to be approximately 12,000, Truck Driver Training is posed to assist in reducing that number, while helping students start on a career path with potential earnings of $55,000+ the first year. Annual enrollment has increased by 56 students to a total of 241 and student retention rate have increased from 50% to 70%. The project includes the development of a Career & College Promise pathway, using the simulator to allow 20 high school students annually to begin training before they reach the federal age requirement of 18 for CDL training. The expansion also allows 30 incumbent workers to enhance their skills through three new continuing education courses. Golden LEAF funds were used to purchase two tractors, two trailers, and two simulators while other funding support two additional tractors, repaving the training lot, and a retention specialist.
