Sussex Tech adult education program working to get more truck drivers on the road

DELAWARE. – The First State is looking to enhance logistics by getting more aspiring truck drivers in the front seat.

Industrial training coordinator with the Sussex Tech adult education program, Mike Hague, said the program is using new funding to help people obtain their Commercial driver’s license.

“The need was there through data, and it was there through employers telling us,” Hague said. “We could really see the need, because we have actual names of people that want the training.”

$800,000 in state funding will go towards the purchase of new trucks and a trailer, to expand the classes for more students to participate in.

Hague said with the flexibility of the course, students will have an elevated learning experience, at their own pace.

“We were trying to find that CDL training and find that niche and offer that training, so our students are able to work during the day,” Hague said. “We certainly want to up their skills, maybe change careers, and get their CDL A license, while they’re currently working.”

And with logistics being a major economic driver in the First State, Hague said getting into the career will in turn help boost the economy.

“Someone looking to make more money, changes a career and get into a more life-sustaining wage and have that industry recognized credential that earns you a license to drive a class A truck, and to transport goods; that has such a big impact and trickledown effect on our state, our local and our national economy,” Hague said.