CLARKSVILLE, TN – TCAT Dickson has announced plans to begin a Truck Driving program at its Clarksville Campus with the first enrollment class beginning October 6 and a second class planned to start Nov. 3.

TCAT Dickson President Laura Travis said, “We are proud to launch the Truck Driving program at our Clarksville Campus, bringing new opportunities and high-demand skills to our community. This program is an investment in the future of our workforce and the economic growth of our region.”

The program offers everything from theory in a classroom setting to behind-the-wheel training on the range and highway. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) testing for Class A, Class B, and Class B (S and P) examinations, and (H) endorsement fort HAZMAT is included in the course.

“This class is literally for someone who has never been in a semi before to becoming a licensed driver,” Dr. Levi Mayer said. Mayer serves as TCAT Dickson’s Vice President of Academics and Compliance.

The course is designed to be completed in 222 hours or 7.4 weeks however like most TCAT programs, Truck Driving is a competency-based program meaning a successful student could complete the program in less time, allowing individuals to gain entry into the workforce and earn competitive wages even sooner.

TCAT Dickson has hired two instructors with more than 35 years of truck driving experience between them. Jim Fisher and Michael Schnepf will utilize their years of hands-on experience driving semi-trucks across the lower 48 United States and into Canada hauling steel, lumber, heavy equipment, over-sized loads, HAZMAT tankers, and more to train the next generation of licensed truck drivers.

Fisher also spent two years training newly graduated drivers while Schnepf also worked as a CDL trainer for the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

“I am truly excited to help students launch successful careers in the trucking industry. I’m passionate about teaching not only the technical skills of truck driving but also the importance of hard work, honesty, and strong work ethics – values that are vital both on and off the road,” Fisher said. “My goal is to inspire students by providing them with the tools they need to not only complete the course successfully but also to refine their skills. I want them to leave with the ability to improve their craft and, in turn, enhance their lives and support their families,” Schnepf added.

Thanks to a partnership with TAG Truck Center Jackson, TN, and their generous donation of one 18-wheeler trailer, TCAT Dickson owns two complete semi-truck and trailer combos for students to use in training.

“TCAT’s Truck Driving and Diesel Powered Equipment Technology programs set the pace in assisting future truck drivers in acquiring their CDLs and teaching young diesel technicians the fundamentals of commercial and diesel truck repair. This dry van trailer donation only reinforces our commitment to the transportation industry and its future drivers and technicians,” said Cody Barber, General Manager of TAG Truck Center Jackson, TN.

Additional information on the Truck Driving program can be found at tcatdickson.edu or by calling 615-441-6220. Students may obtain financial aid through WIOA, TN Reconnect, TN Promise, TSAA, Wilder-Naifeh, and Veteran’s Assistance programs to help with the cost of the Truck Driving course.