Public and Prospective Students invited to Workforce Center on September 25 for Program, Tours & Demonstrations
John Wood Community College (JWCC) proudly marks the 30th anniversary of its renowned Truck Driver Training Program, a cornerstone of the college’s commitment to workforce development in West Central Illinois. Since its establishment in September 1994, the program has trained thousands of professional truck drivers, making a significant impact on the regional and national transportation industry.
The program will hold an open house on Wednesday, September 25 from 4-6 p.m. with a brief program at 4:30 p.m. at the College’s Workforce Development Center at 2710 North 42nd Street in Quincy. The public is welcome to attend to tour the expanded truck driver training facilities, use the driving simulator and ride along with drivers on the College’s maneuvering range.
The JWCC Truck Driver Training program began under the leadership of its first director, Don Hess, who played a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum and forging vital partnerships. Hess, who now serves as a JWCC trustee and is a national consultant in the field, was instrumental in securing initial support from Sharkey Transportation. The company provided the JWCC TDT program its first home and continued access to space at their facility for over a decade, allowing the program to thrive until its move to the College’s Workforce Development Center (WDC) in 2009.
Upon Hess’s retirement, veteran instructor and professional driver Phil Steinkamp took the wheel as director of the program for several years. Steinkamp has served JWCC’s Truck Driver Training program for more than 25 years and continues to instruct courses today at the WDC.
“Our Truck Driver Training Program has consistently set the standard for excellence in the industry,” said Dr. Bryan Renfro, President of JWCC. “From the early support of Sharkey Transportation to the ongoing involvement of industry leaders, the program has benefited from strong community and industry backing. We are incredibly proud of the legacy we’ve built over the past 30 years.”
Today, the program continues to maintain the highest standards as a member of the National Association of Publicly Funded Transportation Schools and Illinois Trucking Association. Multiple transportation firms serve on the program’s advisory council, ensuring relevant and evolving skills are implemented in hands-on training.
Under the current direction of Steinkamp and Chris Koetters, a graduate of the program, JWCC remains committed to producing well-trained, safety-conscious drivers ready to meet the demands of the trucking industry. In the last year alone, 90 JWCC students received their Certified Driver License (CDL) and more than 2,000 have been trained since the program’s inception.
JWCC’s Truck Driver Training Program offers a comprehensive range of courses designed to fit various schedules and needs. The program includes six week Class A and Class B CDL courses, and specialized endorsements. The next session begins September 23, with classes held at the Workforce Development Center in Quincy.
In addition to rigorous training, JWCC’s program is supported by scholarships, advisory council participation, and other resources provided by regional trucking companies. These partnerships ensure that graduates are not only job-ready but also equipped with the latest industry knowledge and practices.
For more information about the Truck Driver Training Program, course offerings, or to enroll, please visit www.jwcc.edu/truck or contact Kelly Lewis at 217.641.4371.
