The wheels are in motion for Laredo Community College to launch a Professional Truck Driving Training Program and upgrade its Diesel Engine Mechanics and Repair Program training curriculum at its South Campus in spring 2011, thanks to a donation from Rush Truck Center–Laredo.
On Monday, Nov. 15, leaders from the commercial vehicle dealership giant met with LCC officials to present and hand over the keys to a Peterbilt tractor with a Utility trailer during a special ceremony held in front of Billy Hall Student Center at the South Campus.
The 160-hour, four-week truck driver training program will provide the knowledge and skills needed to pass the Texas commercial driver license exam to qualify for immediate employment in the trucking industry. Training will consist of classroom lecture, parking, and driving skills training in a driving range, and day and night street driving. Persons interested in learning more about this training program may call the LCC Continuing Education Department at 794-4520.
In addition to the tractor/trailer donation, Rush Truck Center-Laredo also worked with key trucking manufacturers to secure computer-based diagnostic software for LCC to upgrade instructional programs for the benefit of students enrolled in the Diesel Engine Mechanics and Repair Program. The software will include the latest in diagnostic technology available from Peterbilt Motors Company (truck systems), Caterpillar (engine systems), Cummins Inc (engine systems), and Eaton Roadranger (transmission, axle and diesel-electric hybrid systems). All companies have agreed to provide updates to the diagnostic software as technology improves at no cost to LCC.
Rush Truck Center–Laredo has also committed to lend the college newer model vehicles as needed to support curriculum training, allowing LCC diesel mechanic students to become better acquainted with the state-of-the-art vehicles. This will include a late model Class 8 used truck equipped with 2007 emissions-compliant technology as well as a new Peterbilt truck equipped with 2010 emissions-compliant vehicle technology and the newly released Paccar MX engine.
Persons interested in enrolling for spring 2011 courses in diesel mechanics are encouraged to contact the LCC Transportation Technology Department at 794-4071. Registration is underway.