Blinn College recognizes truck driving program graduates
Program prepares students for immediate employment as in-demand essential workers
September 9, 2020
Four students recently earned their commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) following their successful completion of the Blinn College District Professional Truck Driving Program.
Christopher Bass, Troy Momijan, Joaquin A. Fernandez, and Chris R. Sebesta dedicated 210 contact hours to prepare for immediate employment in an in-demand field that is experiencing a worker shortage.
“There’s been a driver shortage in this country for a long time, and it is greater now because of the pandemic,” instructor Tim Loch said. “Students in this program can come in, take a four-week course, and there are companies that will hire them right out of school.”
Blinn’s Professional Truck Driving Program consists of two courses, with a new section beginning Monday, Sept. 21. Students learn to conduct pre-trip, on-the-road, and post-trip vehicle and equipment inspections. Other skills include map reading, managing logbooks and cargo documentation, dispatch procedures, emergency responsibilities, and regulations of transportation agencies.
Students study road safety guidelines and specific laws applicable to professional drivers. At the conclusion of the program, instructors accompany students to the CDL testing facility, where they may be eligible to earn their CDL and a certificate of completion from Blinn.
“When you get your CDL, a whole new world of opportunities and jobs open up,” said Chris Sebesta, a student from Snook. “I’ve had jobs thrown left and right at me before I even graduated.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is approximately $21.78 per hour, or $45,260 per year.
Truck driving courses run concurrently and are held 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, at the new Agricultural and Workforce Education Complex at the RELLIS Campus. The total cost of the program is $4,995.
The Professional Truck Driving Program is part of Blinn’s Division of Technical and Community Programs, which includes courses designed to provide students with the knowledge and ability they need to enter the workforce immediately after completion. Many of these classes do not require a high school diploma and enrollment is fast and easy. For non-credit courses, students do not need to go through the College’s admissions process to enroll. Programs vary in length and are offered with daytime, evening, and weekend options.
Business owners can enroll their employees in technical and community education courses using Texas Workforce Commission Skills Development for Small Business funds, and Blinn staff can help businesses complete the request form. Blinn also offers students access to scholarships through the Blinn College Foundation, private grants, and Workforce Solutions.
In addition to Blinn’s non-credit courses, the College recently launched four new Associate of Applied Science degrees in carpentry, facilities maintenance, HVAC, and water purification to create an additional entry way and even greater earning potential for students in the skilled trades.
To register for or view a schedule of upcoming classes, visit www.blinn.edu/workforce or call 979-209-7205.
