HCC shows off CDL program at open house

Representatives of Hopkinsville Community College participated in an open house Monday relating to the need for more Kentuckians to be certified to drive tractor-trailers.

According to a news release, the HCC Workforce Solutions team participated in an open house at Gateway Community and Technical College in Florence so business leaders could see trucks KCTCS colleges use for training and hear more about program offerings.

HCC recently added a CDL Simulator that provides students the opportunity to virtually drive heavy trucks. Officials say it incorporates self-guided, student-paced training, layered with richly textured computer graphics, interactive practice sessions, simulated scenarios, audio coaching and immediate feedback on performance.

The simulator trainings can be reconfigured to ensure varied experiences, and to function for a variety of driver training needs.

HCC Chief of Workforce Solutions Carol Kirves says, “By providing quality training, we are not only helping employers fill jobs but also giving our local citizens and transitioning soldiers a solid career path.  This is just one of many ways we’re helping alleviate the state’s workforce shortage and grow the economy.”

Officials say there continues to be a great need for additional CDL drivers and HCC hopes to see their program grow.