Trucking job fair held at Michigan Works

By JEAN NORDINE

[email protected]

Ironwood — Connie Hicks and Kim Zekovich, representing Gogebic Community College, were on hand to answer questions for those who took part in the Schneider Trucking job fair held at Michigan Works Wednesday.

The college has held Commercial Drivers License classes for the past two years and will begin their third class this fall semester with Hicks as the lead instructor.

One of the trucks they use for instructing is parked in the old K-Mart lot across from Cloverland Cinema. The semi sports an advertisement on the side that reads, “Get your CDL … and earn a BOLDER living.”

This Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) program is one semester and earns 16 credits.

It offers both Class-A and Class-B license training, with extensive classroom training, hands-on vehicle activities, and behind-the-wheel practice in preparation for commercial driver license tests and a fulfilling career in trucking.

Topics covered include safety, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations, truck mechanical parts and components, vehicle inspection procedures, basic truck maneuvers, driving techniques, trucking industry procedures and practices, careers in trucking and additional content.

The unique program design allows students to enter the program without a temporary instructional permit. The college prepares students to test for their temporary instructional permit and provide the education to test for their Commercial Driver’s License.

In the past two years, 19 people have completed the course and all of them went on to get their CDLs.

Hicks noted that sometimes people may decide during the course that attaining a CDL is something they feel is not a fit for them.

She said although those people don’t want to pursue a CDL, they should continue to obtain the certifications because they can help you get other jobs within the transportation industry such as dispatching.

Is getting behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler something that intrigues you?

It is not too late for interested parties to sign up, classes start August 27.

To learn more go to gogebic.edu or call Zekovich at the admissions office 906-307-1207 and/or Hicks at 906-307-1232.