April 9, 2024 10:10 a.m.
Umpqua Community College will hold a grand opening event for its remodeled truck driving school on May 2nd.
A UCC release said the reimagined facility enhances the educational experience for aspiring commercial drivers needed to fill local jobs and provides a center for continued growth of the program.
UCC’s truck driving program offers a four-week comprehensive program that includes 160 hours of hands-on instruction. Last year, the addition of nights and weekend class options to the program resulted in 92 students obtaining their commercial driver’s license. An estimated 136 students are expected to complete the program this year, based on current trends in enrollment and completion. Improvements and additional classroom space will allow for an even greater number of students to receive their CDL’s in 2025.
UCC Vice President of Academic Services Teresa Rivenes said, “This remodel will provide the environment needed for more students to obtain a CDL and fill much-needed high-wage jobs in the community”. Rivenes said, “Truck driving graduates can pursue a multitude of regional career opportunities, including local delivery, over-the-road, and freight delivery for timber, steel, equipment and home goods.
The release said a group that advises the college made up of industry stakeholders, saw a need for improvements to the facility and procured a $75,000 grant from the Douglas County commissioners for yard improvements and building renovations. Additional funding for the project was made possible through grant funding from Douglas County and the State of Oregon as a result from federal funds received by the state under the American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund. Construction management was provided by Umpqua Indian Development Corporation. UCC contributed $15,000 in additional funding.
Highlights of the remodel included:
*Complete 1,150 square foot remodel with added features
*Improved classroom technology and a welcoming space to learn
*Larger class sizes allows for additional students
*Additional private office for individual meetings with students and more computers
*Breakroom with new appliances allows for a gathering space
*New lighting and cabinetry installed throughout the facility and more
A celebration of the grand reopening will take place May 2nd from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will include a dedication ceremony from the UIDC. The UCC Truck Driving School is on Dole Road in Myrtle Creek.