Heartland to launch Nussbaum Trucking Academy for Truck Driver Training

 

[August 20, 2021] 

Heartland Community College (HCC) has signed an agreement with Nussbaum Transportation Services, Inc. to create a new academy for Truck Driver Training.
 

The agreement between HCC and Nussbaum Transportation forms the Nussbaum Trucking Academy at Heartland Community College. In this unique public-private model, HCC’s Continuing Education will provide advising, orientation, maintain student records, ensure curriculum and instructional efficacy, and offer Essential Workplace Skills. Nussbaum will hire all instructors, create class schedules, oversee training, and provide trucks, lots and fuel. It is anticipated this new revenue-sharing model will ensure cost recovery for both partners and growth in enrollments, while continuing to provide a high-quality experience for students.
 

“Heartland is committed to offering learning pathways that benefit regional employers and lead to sustaining careers,” said Kelli Tillery Hill, Heartland Community College Vice President, External Relations. “This training can be life-changing for those seeking a swift path to a new career. We are thrilled to partner with a company as reputable as Nussbaum to pool our resources and leverage each entity’s expertise. This provides economic impact for the community by addressing a critical demand for trained commercial truck drivers.”

NTA at HCC will be a cohort-based model where students gain 160 hours of preparation for obtaining a Class A Commercial Driver’s License. The coursework includes 40 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of behind-the-wheel training to test for a a restricted license; an optional additional week will be offered for those wanting to test for an unrestricted license. Completers can obtain employment in transportation and many other industries.

(L-R) District 540 Board of Trustees Chair Jeffrey Flessner, CEO Nussbaum Transportation Brent Nussbaum, & President of Heartland Community College Keith Cornille sign the Nussbaum Trucking Academy Agreement.

No previous experience is required, but students must have a current driver's license issued by the State of Illinois, be 18 years or older, and complete and pass the Department of Transportation Physical and Drug screening.

“The trucking industry needs quality professional drivers, and Nussbaum is excited to become part of the solution,” said Jeremy Stickling, Chief Administrative Officer at Nussbaum Transportation Services. “Our employee-owners are blessed with an abundance of talent. What better way to put that talent to use than by serving our community through the Trucking Academy. A CDL can offer a unique opportunity. With just four weeks of training, a driver can achieve first-year wage levels of $60,000. With Heartland providing their instruction, curriculum, and student enrollment knowledge, we are eager to see what this program will become.”

The Nussbaum Trucking Academy will launch on October 1, 2021. Full program details are available online at www.heartland.edu/truck. For information on next steps, call [phone] or email [e-mail].

[Steve Fast
Director, Public Information
Heartland Community College]