Roadway Express and Job Corps, a U.S. Department of Labor program, have partnered to develop an advanced tractor-trailer driver training program for Job Corps students.

"This is a great opportunity for Roadway to utilize its expertise in truck driver training and development to assist young adults who want to enter our industry," said Tom Lopienski, vice president of Human Resources for the carrier.
Established by law as part of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, the Job Corps program is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Job Corps is a residential education and training program for economically disadvantaged youth, ages 16 to 24, providing educational, vocational and social skills.
Graduates of this program go through six months of rigorous training, including classroom and homework assignments; 100 hours of driving time; preparation for written Commercial Driver's License (CDL) exam; and preparation for road maneuvering and driving skills testing.
The pilot advanced training program was established at the Earl C. Clements Job Corps Center in Morganfield, Ky. Roadway employees serve as program instructors, and students train for four to six months. Qualified students are assigned to the programs from centers throughout the Job Corps system. Tractors, trailers and specialized testing equipment are supplied by Roadway. The program includes a "job shadowing" final evaluation at a Roadway facility before graduation. Job placement assistance is provided for students who are enrolled in the advanced tractor-trailer driver-training program.