By Erica Jones

SCC Public Relations

With the overwhelming success of the Truck Driver Training Program at Sampson Community College, three new trucks and four new tractor trailers have been added to the fleet.

Fred Stamey, coordinator for the truck driving program, says he's proud of the new additions. “In just four years since the inception of this program, our enrollment is bursting at the seams. Every class that we've offered over has been filled to capacity. With the support of our president Dr. Aiken, community support and grant funding, we've been fortunate to be able to expand our program to meet the needs of our students.”

Without a doubt, the current economic climate has played a large part in the program's success, comments Stamey. “Many of our students have been laid off or are looking for a career change that will afford them a lucrative future. For many this program is a dream come true.”

The statistics concur. According to Stamey, 100 percent of graduates from the program are offered jobs upon completion. In fact, says Stamey, prospective companies actually come to the students. “Currently, we have 35 companies that keep job applications on-site as well as recruiters that scout our student drivers. That speaks volumes in itself for the quality drivers we graduate.”

The funding for the expanded fleet was made possible through a $100,000 Golden LEAF grant. “We were in dire need for this funding,” explains Stamey. “Without it, we wouldn't be able to meet the current economic demands.” Additional partnerships have also attributed to the success of the program, says Stamey. Through generous donations from Prestage Farms, Ezzell Trucking and Ag Provisions, truck driving success has been a reality for SCC. “I can think of no more effective partnership for success than to link local industry and the college together,” said SCC President Dr. Bill Aiken. Stamey agrees. “Without the local industry backing us, we wouldn't be able to do this. That's why we give 100 percent to training the best possible drivers that will meet the needs of local industry.”

Currently, SCC offers seven classes per year; four weekday and three weekend, with 18 students in each class. With training around the clock, seven days a week, Stamey says it's literally a full-time job.

“Our current classroom is a training track at Ag Provision in Kenansville which provides a hands-on driving course for our students. We keep the pavement hot seven days a week,” adds Stamey. After completing 350 hours of instruction, the students will enter one of the most lucrative careers that will give students back the largest payout for their investment. According to Stamey, this is one central reason he anticipates the continued success of the program. “At all times, we can expect about 40 folks to be on the waiting list for our next class offering, because they know that once they earn their Commercial Driving License, they can anticipate a starting salary of at least $30,000 to $35,000. This is an attractive opportunity and an exciting career path in any economy.”

For more information about the truck driver training program at SCC, call 592-7176 or visit www.sampsoncc.edu.