6 months ago
Middle Georgia Technical College offers a 10-week Commercial Truck Driving program.
In the past two years, the class has been at capacity with several on the wait list.
Lately, program chair John Barfield says he's noticed a new trend.
More of his students are from a variety of backgrounds, including more applicants who have been laid-off.
"We have all kinds of folks, folks with degrees, we have folks that come from McDonalds, Burger King," said Barfield.
Barfield says the starting salary is around $33,000 dollars.
"After five years, with a clean driving record, some can make up to $60,000 dollars," Barfield said.
He says at least 70 percent of the class will be pre-hired before they graduate.
The American Driving Association says there is a shortage of 20,000 truck driver each year.
They say the demand for professional truck drivers is growing faster than the number of new drivers signing up.
Laid-off Nursing Assistant Sheena Hoges says she signed up for the course because of the demand of drivers and the pay.
"It's really hard to find jobs... this is a professional job.. I think I'm really going to like it," said Hoges.
