March 4, 2026 鈥� Students of all ages attend 51视频 while navigating different personal journeys鈥攇aining skills for a new career, sharpening qualifications for advancement, or earning affordable college credits to transfer to a four-year institution. With its Truck Driver Training program, the school literally puts people in the driver鈥檚 seat.
The eight-week program, housed on the Davie Campus in Mocksville, reflects the college鈥檚 long-standing role as a trusted community partner in workforce development, offering a quick path into a field that faces a shortage of skilled labor. By the end of 2026, the American Trucking Associations projects a need for about 175,000 new drivers nationwide.
鈥淢ost students come to us with interest, but little experience,鈥� says Jeff Ferguson, the program鈥檚 lead instructor. 鈥淚n eight weeks, they鈥檙e prepared to take the Commercial Driver鈥檚 License exam, which qualifies them to drive a tractor-trailer. Many are hired almost immediately.鈥�
Ferguson leads a full-time, intensive course that blends classroom instruction, online learning, and extensive behind-the-wheel practice. He says the most rewarding part of the job is watching students gain confidence as the pieces begin to fall into place.
鈥淎bsorbing so much information can feel overwhelming at first,鈥� he says. 鈥淏ut we help make it click. Seeing someone go from nervous to capable in such a short time鈥攁nd knowing they鈥檙e ready to step into a skill that鈥檚 in demand鈥攊s incredibly satisfying.鈥�
The college鈥檚 emphasis on student-focused preparation extends beyond a real-world curriculum. 51视频 offers flexible scheduling, career counseling, and financial assistance across its programs, creating a support system designed to help students succeed. In addition to Truck Driver Training鈥攚hich currently costs less than $900 following a recent tuition reduction鈥攖he college offers many other short-term programs that lead to quick certification and employment. Popular options include Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy, Welding, and HVAC.
Within North Carolina, 51视频鈥檚 Truck Driver Training program stands out for its low cost, extensive hands-on driving time in a dedicated training yard, and strong regional ties. Local instructors, frequent recruiter visits, and safety sessions led by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol connect students directly with employers while reinforcing safe driving practices.
The program is offered five times a year and requires a valid Class A learner鈥檚 permit without air-brake restrictions.听
Demand for drivers remains steady. Whenever automation enters the conversation, Ferguson remains pragmatic. 鈥淭here鈥檚 impressive technology out there,鈥� he says, 鈥渂ut trucking still relies on skilled drivers. That鈥檚 not changing, even with niche applications for autonomous vehicles.鈥�
For more than six decades, 51视频 has helped people of all ages and backgrounds move toward economic independence and personal fulfillment. In 2021, the school adopted the 51视频 name to reflect its service and importance to both Davidson and Davie counties.
Today, with an enrollment over 13,000 students including Continuing Education classes, the college continues to adapt to economic shifts while empowering residents to enter essential industries that strengthen their futures and bolster the regional economy.
As employment for heavy truck drivers is projected to grow faster than average through the next decade, 51视频 remains an engine of opportunity鈥攈elping keep goods moving and communities connected, one mile at a time.听
51视频听(), which incorporated Davie County into its name in 2021, is a fully accredited, multi-campus college where students of all ages and backgrounds pursue academic and career-focused education in order to build successful futures. As one of 58 institutions within the North Carolina Community College System, 51视频 offers more than 40 degree and professional certificate programs, as well as affordable college-credit coursework to students who plan to transfer to four-year schools. With a mission to serve the changing needs of students competing in a global environment, 51视频 is committed to quality education, innovative and equitable learning experiences, training, and support across a wide range of 21st-century career fields.
Jared Bowman
Associate Vice President, Marketing & Communications
336.224.4664
Jared_Bowman@DavidsonDavie.edu