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↑ Brown demonstrates a simulator that provides commercial driving program students with valuable virtual experience before they take the real wheel.
So, in 2016, TCC leadership went to the Florida Legislature seeking ← multi-year funding to get its new Instructor James commercial driving venture off Brown and Jessica the ground. It came away with Griffin, director of TCC’s annual vehicle only a year’s worth. driving program, That, however, turned out are dwarfed by a big not to matter much. rig that serves as a rolling classroom. After just a year of training and churning out new truck drivers, it was clear that TCC had a winner on its hands. Four years later, the TCC Commercial Vehicle Driving Career and Technical Certification program has spring-boarded dozens of new drivers — about eight to 10 in each eight-week, 320-hour course — EDUCATION onto highways across the country. It’s one of a few dozen professional certifications that TCC offers. “We provide that pathway,” said Kimberly Moore, TCC’s vice president for workforce innovation. “The whole idea of getting someone at the onset of by TIM LINAFELT eight weeks, and then eight weeks later they have a career? Where else can you allahassee Community College’s schools closest to Tallahassee located in do that?” commercial vehicle driving program Chipley and Jacksonville. But don’t confuse “quick” with “easy.” was born of a great idea that came Planting a new truck-driving The program’s director, Jessica Griffin, about the way great ideas often do. program at TCC only made sense. and instructor James Brown have created Out of necessity. The college caters to thousands across a demanding, rigorous curriculum based With online shopping and coast-tothe region, and although its two-year on input and standards from other coast trade more popular than ever, the degree guaranteeing admission to state commercial driving school and industry last few years have seen an unprecedented universities is still a major calling card, leaders, as well as the state Department demand for commercial truck drivers — it has also recently focused efforts on of Transportation and the Department and far too few drivers to fill those roles. workforce development and connecting of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, North Florida and South Georgia people who want to work with the skills and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety were particularly underserved, with the and certifications that lead to careers. Administration.
GEARING UP FOR WORK At TCC, trucking program is on a roll
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March-April 2021
TALLAHASSEEMAGA ZINE.COM
photography by SAIGE ROBERTS
