Addressing Workforce Needs

Brookdale Community College and 160 Driving Academy have joined forces to address the critical shortage of commercial truck drivers. 160 Driving Academy has opened its 46th driving vocational school on Brookdale’s Lincroft campus, creating a path for individuals to obtain the commercial driver’s license necessary for long-haul transportation of food, equipment and a broad range of products.

“This is another example of a community colleges partnering to address a workforce need,” said Brookdale President Dr. David Stout. “The training offered by 160 Driving Academy has created opportunities for so many to start or change their careers.”

“Industry experts predict that more than 300,000 trucking jobs will be available nationally by 2021,” said Steve Gold, founder of 160 Driving Academy. “Now is a perfect time to get the necessary training to enter the trucking industry which has jobs waiting to be filled,” said Gold. He added that his company aims to train 9,000 drivers in 2020.

The 160-hour training program consists of classroom training to obtain the needed state and federal permits, pre-trip maintenance and inspection, skills and maneuver training and hands-on road experience.

“It’s critical for government and the private sector to have a steady pool of qualified drivers,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Monmouth County Department of Public Works and Engineering. “They perform an essential role in day-to-day commerce, and this collaboration is a step toward helping to train individuals for these jobs, many of which are going unfilled today.”

Classes run Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  To register for classes and for more information, contact Tiname Bond via email at tbond@160drivingacademy.com , call 732-837-8812 or visit www.160drivingacademy.com.

Dr. Joan Ali Scocco, Dean of Continuing & Professional Studies at Brookdale Community College, said the partnership with 160 Driving Academy fits with her office’s mission of providing in-demand career training.

“160 Driving Academy’s relationship with trucking companies is a major asset in helping graduates find jobs with leading North American trucking companies,” said Scocco.

Kaylee Peterson, regional manager of the 160 Driving Academy, said her company’s model combines quality training with placement assistance.

“We’re a trusted partner in the trucking industry,” said Peterson. “National companies seek out our graduates, many of whom can earn up to $40,000 with benefits in their first year of employment,” said Peterson. She added that eligible students may qualify for tuition subsidies from their industry partners, furthering lowering costs.

caption: A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on October 22 for the 160 Driving Academy and Brookdale Community College initiative to address the shortage of long-haul drivers through a training and license program.