John Wood Community College ready to help with trucker shortage

QUINCY (WGEM) - In an effort to ease the nation’s truck driver shortage, President Joe Biden is rolling out an internship program to try and get younger drivers behind the wheel.

At the same time, new training requirements for CDL licenses start next month.

Professors at John Wood Community College Workforce Development Center said Friday they already teach the additional information that will be required.

Starting Feb. 7, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will require extra training for drivers trying to get their CDL.

While some professors said they are concerned the new training requirements could discourage some younger drivers, student Daniel Bingham said he isn’t phased by it.

“I’d say the class is worth it. Whether you know how to drive them or not, it just gets a little bit easier going on,” Bingham said.

John Wood’s next truck driver training class starts Feb. 21, and there are still openings available.