BUCKHANNON – Interested in witnessing the beautiful array of landscapes that the United States has to offer while making money? Consider applying to Fred W. Eberle Technical Center truck driving program.
Founded in 1968, Fred W. Eberle Technical Center (FETC) is the first multi-county career technical center established in West Virginia with program offerings including, but not limited to; cosmetology, practical nursing, welding, diesel equipment technology, among others. See the full list of program offerings on the FETC website.
For one program in particular, FETC faculty and administration calls on prospective students of the truck driving program to enroll now! Students can earn a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) after only 8-10 weeks of training.
According to the FETC website, applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the program:
- A valid West Virginia driver’s license
- Be at least 18 years old with two years of driving experience.
- Students must also pass a Department of Transportation CDL physical exam
- Undergo a drug screening
- Follow appropriate dress and hygiene for the industry
Instructors Ron Roach and Barry Kiernan are ready to share their professional knowledge of CDL driving experiences and tips with each student.
Kiernan explained to My Buckhannon that the first two weeks of the program are focused solely on passing the CDL permit test. Upon receiving the permit, students regularly complete pre-trip testing and theory work before hitting the open road.
“It’s a different lifestyle because you’re out on your own a lot,” Roach said about life behind the wheel. “I always liked it.”
Class is in session Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. A new class is offered every 8-10 weeks with limited seating available, so apply today! After program completion, students have the opportunity to take the appropriate Class A or Class B CDL license exam with a state-certified tester.
“When they first come in, we have this big list of pre-trip [checks]. It feels like it’s overwhelming all this stuff you have to remember and all the stuff you have to do, but we take it one step at a time,” Roach said. “You learn an increment and then build on it.”
This technical center program now offers students a unique virtual, truck driving simulator. This simulator allows prospective drivers to gain experience behind the wheel before hitting the open road in a real truck. Students can practice manual transmission gear shifting, backing, turning at intersections, among other driving skills.
FETC plans to take this truck driving simulator to future career fairs and visit high school students in the area to spread the word about this industry’s capabilities.
What students may not know is that grants for tuition to attend this technical school are available through entities such as Workforce WV. Contact FETC by phone at 304-472-1259 to learn more about available grant opportunities.
Apply now for the FETC truck driving program!
Check out the FETC website to learn more about the truck driving program and other career training opportunities offered there. At FETC, find the best program to fit you and the industry needs around you!
Keep up-to-date on exciting things happening at FETC by liking their Facebook page. There, you will find student testimonials, upcoming events and program opportunities.
