Demand for truck drivers fueling Ivy Tech program
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FORT WAYNE, Ind. - One of the key components of the supply chain challenge the country is currently seeing is a shortage of truck drivers. And while some companies say things are improving, our partners at WPTA-TV report a program at Ivy Tech Community College’s Fort Wayne campus is seeing demand from companies to fill those gaps.
The Fort Wayne campus offers a four-week program that allows students to earn their CDL license. The college earlier this week held a job fair featuring numerous companies looking to add more drivers.
Bridget Gaff, supply chain management program chair at Ivy Tech, says employers are frequently reaching out to the school.
“We do have a lot of companies that contact us requesting information about our students, and that’s what brings on this job fair,” said Gaff. “Once the students go through the program, they usually have jobs before they’re even done with the four-week program.”
Dustin Housch, a delivery driver for Pepsi, tells WPTA the beverage company had about half the number of drivers they needed during the pandemic. He says the company has been able to get back to normal, but it is still looking for new drivers to continue its upward trajectory.
Gaff says the college is running the program every four weeks in order to bring as many new drivers into the workforce as possible.
Ivy Tech Fort Wayne also offers a CDL Plus certificate, in which students take part in 160 hours of training to earn their CDL, which includes operating observation, behind-the-wheel skill development, and an eight-week internship.