Wor-Wic Community College students practice on two tractor-trailer trucks the college has available, and one dump truck. (Photo: WBOC)SALISBURY, Md.- Coordinators of Wor-Wic Community College's truck driver training program say they have seen interest rise in the course within the past year.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates more than a quarter-million new truck driver jobs will be created by 2016.
Wor-Wic Community College says more people are turning to truck driving as a career change.
"What I've seen is an increase in students, but also a change in the age," said Lee Ann Shull, of the college's career development program. "We're seeing a lot of older students coming into the program. I'm thinking it might be due to a lot of company closings."
One of those older students is Andrew Arey, who says he's been a painter for years, but recently decided to make a career change.
"I've been able to paint for quite a long time," he said. "And because of the economy and how everything is going, I'm looking for a new career."
Truck driving instructor Fred Marshall says many students are looking for the good pay, job security and benefits truck drivers are often provided.
But one disadvantage, he said, is the amount of time away from home- although he said the industry has improved upon that.
"That is one thing that's been addressed . . . ensuring the drivers do get their home time," he said.
Students practice on two tractor-trailer trucks the college has available, and one dump truck.
