‘Trucking actually saved my life:’ Wor-Wic’s CDL program celebrates 20th anniversary
SALISBURY, Md. – “I never thought in my life I’d be driving a truck, especially an 18-wheeler,” Savage said.
Ronnie Savage is a Truck Driver for Cato Gas & Oil in Salisbury.
It’s a journey that started 5 years ago. “I went to One Stop Job Market, and they gave me a grant to go to Wor-Wic,” Savage said.
Savage is just one of the success stories to come out of the CDL Program at Wor-Wic Community College.
The program now celebrates 20 years of getting students on the road to start their careers.”The first week is in the classroom with me, then the next 7 weeks are skills focused. That means pre-trips, air brake tests, and everything that they’re required to do at the Motor Vehicle Administration we teach them,” Miciotto said.
CDL Program Coordinator Mark Miciotto says the program plays a crucial role in building up the workforce as the industry continues to face a driver shortage. “They really have to want to go out and drive. To find someone dedicated enough to do that is a challenge,” Miciotto said. “They’re able to come into the college, get the job, learn how to drive, and become a productive person in society. They go on to make big bucks out there on the road.”
Success of the program is also connected to strong partnerships with organizations like Cato Gas & Oil. Vice President of Transportation Pete Phoebus says they’ve hired nearly 8 drivers from Wor-Wic’s program. “I think it’s important to show the new students that come through that if they work hard and are dedicated to a good company then the sky is the limit,” Phoebus said.
Savage tells 47 ABC if he were to do it all over again, he wouldn’t change a thing because not only did he find a career path. “Trucking actually saved me. It actually saved my life,” Savage said.
Wor-Wic says salaries for drivers start at upwards of $65,000. They also tell us they see a 99% success rate with students completing the program.
The Perdue Foundation donated $120,000 for a new classroom simulation lab set to open later this year.
If you’re interested in a career in trucking and would like to find out more about that program, click here.
