Rappahannock Community College recently purchased a new tractor-trailer for its Commercial Driver’s License students to practice on.
“I think it’s one of the best kept secrets in the local area,” said CDL instructor Michael Carter.
Carter said that the school did this because it is focused on getting behind the student. For every 30-day class, there is one truck, one instructor and four student slots available.
The cost of the class is $4,500, but RCC has funding available to help offset the cost and students can even get $1,000 back after completing the course. According to Carter, a lot of businesses that offer CDL training charge $5,000-$8,000 and most do not offer help with the cost. Another option for those wanting to obtain their CDL is to sign on with a major company for a year. He said that this option is not always best due to being stuck with that company throughout the duration of training.
Students at RCC also get to train in a brand-new truck and trailer, which, according to Carter, is unusual. He said that most places do not get a new truck for trainees and the truck will probably last the school 20 or more years before it needs to buy another one.
Through RCC, students get to decide where they go after graduation. The school even has relationships with companies and can help place students in jobs after graduation.
Anyone 18 or older can take the course. The only prerequisite for the class is to have a CDL learner’s permit, which can be obtained at RCC. The school is able to test people for a CDL learner’s permit on campus. RCC is hoping to be able to third party test its students for their CDL license soon.
Carter said that this would be the opportunity to take advantage of for anyone who has ever thought about getting their CDL. He also said that no one should be discouraged by a lack of experience driving a manual transmission and he even likes having students who know nothing because shifting in the truck is different than in a regular vehicle.
The reason why the school has opted to teach students to drive manual shift is so that there is no restriction on their license. Students will have a fully, non-restricted CDL Class A license by the end of the program as long as they are 21 years or older. Students ages 18-20 will only be able to drive in-state until they turn 21. Carter said that truck driving does not take power; it takes knowledge and finesse.
“We have a phenomenal team really focused on making this program work,” he said.
Carter said that trucking is a great career for those who want to see the country, want to work regionally and even for those who want to stay local—all while making an incredible income to support themselves and their families.
In his 20 years of being a truck driver, Carter never had to look for a job. He said that there is a 250,000 truck driver shortage in this country.
“Even during the pandemic, trucks were still rolling,” said Carter.
Carter has enjoyed being a CDL instructor for the past two years at RCC. He is able to make a positive difference in people’s lives and even keeps up with his former students.
“It is the most fulfilling job,” he said.
In his two years of instructing, Carter has never lost a student. Every person who has taken his class passes. In fact, everyone who took his last class passed the test the first time around. These students graduated on April 30 and three out of the four of them already have jobs.
“I’m looking forward to doing this for quite some time,” said Carter.
Carter said that people should take advantage of this opportunity that is locally available, whether they are fresh out of high school, a retiree or somewhere in between.
To learn more about this program, contact Janet Childs, Administrative Assistant of Workforce and Community Development. She can be reached at 804-333-6754 or by email at jchilds@rappahannock.edu.