Key Takeaways from the Trucking for Millennials Podcast Episode with D’Wayne Shaw

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials Podcast, hosts Aaron and Michael sit down with D'Wayne Shaw, Executive Dean of Professional and Career Education at Kilgore College. The discussion revolves around the new Transportation Institute at Kilgore College, the intricacies of setting up a CDL training program, and the broader implications for the trucking industry. Here are three key takeaways from this insightful episode:

1. The Importance of Quality CDL Training Programs

One of the primary focuses of the episode is the significance of having a well-structured and certified CDL training program. D'Wayne Shaw emphasizes the rigorous process Kilgore College underwent to establish their Transportation Institute, highlighting the importance of quality training for future truck drivers.

"Anyone who has an FMCSA certified curriculum can get you through a program that will check you off and allow you to go to the DPS and test." - D'Wayne Shaw

Shaw explains that having a certified curriculum ensures that students receive the necessary training to meet federal standards. This not only prepares them for the CDL test but also equips them with the skills needed to be safe and efficient drivers. The episode underscores that prospective students should look for programs with well-maintained equipment and a structured curriculum to ensure they receive the best possible training.

2. Community and Industry Collaboration is Crucial

The establishment of the Transportation Institute at Kilgore College was a community effort, involving partnerships with local economic development organizations and industry stakeholders. Shaw details how Kilgore Economic Development played a pivotal role in providing the land and resources needed to build the new facility.

"We partnered with Kilgore Economic Development and they gave us a phenomenal lease on the property for the next 30 years." - D'Wayne Shaw

This collaboration highlights the importance of community and industry support in developing educational programs that meet local needs. By working together, Kilgore College and its partners were able to create a state-of-the-art facility that will benefit the local economy by producing well-trained truck drivers. This takeaway emphasizes that successful educational initiatives often require the backing and cooperation of various community and industry players.

3. Addressing the Needs of a Diverse Student Population

The episode also touches on the diverse backgrounds of students entering the CDL program. Shaw notes that while many students are older and looking for a career change, there is also a growing number of younger students and women entering the field. The program at Kilgore College is designed to accommodate this diversity, offering various types of training and support to meet different needs.

"We have had quite a few students who come through that are female students. So we are seeing that. It's still predominantly male students coming through the classes, but we are seeing female students on a regular basis." - D'Wayne Shaw

Shaw's comments reflect a broader trend in the trucking industry, where there is an increasing recognition of the need to attract and support a more diverse workforce. The episode highlights how Kilgore College is addressing this by providing flexible training options and creating an inclusive environment for all students. This takeaway underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in educational programs and the trucking industry as a whole.

Conclusion

This episode of the Trucking for Millennials Podcast offers valuable insights into the development and operation of a CDL training program. From the importance of certified curricula to the role of community collaboration and the need to support a diverse student population, D'Wayne Shaw provides a comprehensive overview of what it takes to build a successful training institute. For anyone interested in the trucking industry or educational program development, this episode is a must-listen.