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 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.
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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 (309) 268-8448 or email Truck.Driver@heartland.edu.
[Steve Fast
Director, Public Information
Heartland Community College]
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