Columbus Technical College Instructor Talks About Trucking Industry

West Georgia Technical College has merged their commercial truck driving program with Columbus Technical College.

Entry level salaries are estimated at $35,000. The question at hand is how is the trucking industry faring in this tough economy?

“As with any industry, in these economic times, it’s slowed down.“

Instructor Pamela Burns says the trucking industry has a good niche.

“However everything we eat comes by truck, everything we buy at Wal-Mart comes by truck so there’s always going to be a demand.“

And it’s why this 22 year veteran is training students on how to hit the road and make money while doing it.

“It’s something I always wanted to do, I started this before, but I never finished it,“ says student Cory Martin.

He is one of Burns’ students and he only has 6 more weeks of training before he gets his truck driving license.

“I just needed more money so I figured this was the easiest way to do it.“

After seeing a West Georgia Technical Truck parked on the side of the road, he called them and it landed him in Burns’ classroom.

Burns says “you’re not going to get rich at it but it is a respectable income.“

It’s an income she says many people don’t know about until they do their research.

“My husband and I ran a team, we’ve seen all over the country it’s a great adventure, it’s a good profession, it’s hard work however, but it has its rewards.“

Burns says you can get funding to take these courses at Columbus Tech. She says the Hope Grant will cover tuition but there are some fees you might have to pay out of pocket.

For more information on how to begin driving courses call Columbus Technical College at
(706) 845-4323.