KANNAPOLIS — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has graduated the 100th student from its truck driver training program offered in conjunction with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute.

The truck driving program continues to gain ground and is getting noticed in the local community. Graduates can expect to average $50,000 or more in their first year and $60,000 or better with one year of experience.

Rowan-Cabarrus established the truck driving program in early 2016. The 100th graduate, Armando Gutierrez, says the program is life-changing.

“I selected Rowan-Cabarrus because it was conveniently close to home and very affordable compared to similar training programs,” Gutierrez said. “My instructors were very knowledgeable and extremely patient with us trainees. They really created a calm learning environment and made sure we graduates were prepared for our future careers as professional commercial license drivers.”

As the driver shortage continues to grow, entry-level drivers are entering the field that places a premium on quality student drivers fresh out of school.

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute have a successful job placement program with numerous local and national trucking companies recruiting graduates. Most graduates are hired before graduation.

“The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there is close to 2 million truck driving positions needing qualified trained individuals to fill them nationwide,” said David King, lead account manager at Rowan-Cabarrus. “We know that truck driving is a dominant employment field for people to enter into because the demand is high. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also indicates that employment for truck drivers is expected to grow 11 percent from 2012 to 2022. The responsibility of spreading the word and providing the training is ours.”

“I am excited to work for a great company called Duramix Concrete Inc. in Midland,” said Gutierrez. “My advice to future trainees of the Rowan-Cabarrus truck driving program is, ‘Be ready.’ With the jobs available and proper training, you have to be ready to hit the open road when the time and opportunity comes.”

The Rowan-Cabarrus truck driving program includes extensive classroom study and range and road driving to prepare students for the commercial driver’s license final test. The test is administered at the conclusion of the course.

The program covers proper driving procedures, safe driver responsibility, commercial motor vehicle laws and regulations, and the primary principles and practices for operating commercial vehicles. Coursework includes motor vehicle laws and regulations, map reading, vehicle maintenance, safety procedures, daily logs, defensive driving and freight handling.

The total cost of tuition and fees is $1,881, and a payment plan is available for students. A $500 deposit is due on the day of registration. A second payment of $690 is due on the first day of class, and a final amount of $690 is paid on the fifth week of class. Vouchers from TRA, TAA or WIOA may be used to pay tuition.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College may have scholarships available to qualifying individuals.

For more information about the program, scholarship and updates as details develop, forward your contact information to tashina.mahatha@rccc.edu or call 704-216-7142.

All students must have a North Carolina driver’s license and be able to obtain a state permit to qualify for the program. The N.C. General Assembly sets tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.

Rowan Cabarrus Community College offers full-time day classes requiring nine weeks to complete. Classes run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The next class begins Jan. 24. Details are at https://www.rccc.edu/corporate/truck-driver-training/.