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The Professional Truck Driver Training Program at Southeast Community
College has been in operation since 1974. The program started with
four truck tractors and Four trailers, and was originally located off
campus.

In 1985 the college built an addition to the main building on the
Lincoln Campus to provide a lab area, classroom and parking for the
truck tractors. A 5/8 mile long perimeter road was also constructed at
this time. This allows the student to develop basic driving skills in
a controlled environment , before moving onto the street. Also
constructed at this time was a 500 by 250 foot backing range.

As changes developed in the trucking industry it became obvious that
the equipment used in training was out of date. The College Board
approved the purchase of a new truck tractor each year, and used
trailers when possible. At the present time the program has a fleet of
nine truck tractors and eleven trailers. Truck tractors range in age
from 1991 to 2003. Students practice with Detroit Diesel ,
Caterpillar , and Mack engines. Transmissions used include 10 speed ,
9 speed , and Super 10 speed models. Most trailers are 48 feet long ,
and the program has one 53 foot trailer with plans to add others in
the future.

Training is focused on " Hands On " training. Total classroom time is
100 hours, and lab and behind the wheel training amounts to 240 hours.
Most students will log 2,000 to 2,500 driving miles during training.

The program has trained in excess of 2,500 students since it
inception. Job placement for the program has ranged from 88% to 97%.
The outlook for Professional Driving jobs is excellent with trucking
industry demand expected to grow in the future.