Those who like to travel and meet new people may find a rewarding career in truck driving, with classes now being offered by Paul D. Camp Community College.

The next training session will run Mondays-Thursdays, July 17 through Aug. 24, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Emporia. This class will allow students to attain a Commercial Driver’s License.

CDL certification qualifies a person for a number of different truck-driving opportunities, including tractor trailer and long-haul driving.

“The training will take place with experienced instructors on first-rate equipment in Emporia,” said Director of Workforce Development Angela Lawhorne.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for heavy and tractor trailer drivers in May 2015 was up to more than $40,000 a year in Virginia.

Classroom instruction for the six-week long course will focus on map reading, trip planning and maintaining truck logs. Other course components include preventative maintenance, highway safety and handling hazardous materials. Inspections prior to trips and extensive maneuvering of the vehicle will also be covered.

Prospective students must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid Virginia driver’s license. Additionally, the following is required one week prior to the start of classes:

• A copy of their driving record;
• A Department of Transportation physical exam;
• A drug test and agreeing to future testing during the course of the program;
• A CDL-A learner’s permit

“Program graduates have a very high CDL pass rate and job placement rate with participating companies,” said Lawhorne.

This program falls under the Workforce Credentials Grant, which helps pay for tuition. Students also may be eligible for financial aid to enroll in this training.

For more information, call 569-6050, email workforce@pdc.edu or visit pdc.edu.