PTDI Certifies Truck Driver Training Courses at Nine
Schools Across the United States
Alexandria, Virginia – The Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) is proud to announce that three schools located in Idaho, Arizona, and North Carolina have received initial certification of their truck driver training courses and six additional schools from Wisconsin to Tennessee have received program recertification for five years. The schools receiving first-time program certification are Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, North Carolina; Swift Driving Academy in Phoenix, Arizona; and Swift Driving Academy in Lewiston, Idaho. Receiving five-year recertification are All State Career, Baltimore, Maryland; Baker College of Flint, Owosso, Michigan; Lehigh Career & Technical Institute, Schnecksville, Pennsylvania; Tennessee Technology Center at Memphis; and Tennessee Technology Center at Nashville.
"There are lots of programs in the state of Tennessee offering truck driver training, but not many are certified by PTDI. The recruiting benefits are exceptionally good for us," explained Russell Shelton, program director, Tennessee Technology Center at Memphis, who added that having a PTDI-certified program, "gives us a step up on the competition."
In addition to recruiting benefits, those who seek PTDI certification often do so for the high level of employability and training their students receive as a result. According to Mark Morris, director of Swift Driving Academy in Lewiston, Idaho, "The PTDI structure is beneficial for our students in that everyone is treated equally, everyone gets the same hours of training, and the documentation during the whole process is better [in that] it shows how we can improve individual students' performance."
Students recognize the quality and value of the program, as evidenced by the fact that they come from all 50 states to attend Swift Driving Academy.
Van Staley, department head at Catawba Valley Community College, also noted employment advantages for PTDI-trained graduates. "Some companies require PTDI training, and I thought this would give my students more employment opportunities," he said. "We pursued PTDI certification for credibility as much as anything. It says this isn't a licensing mill." Staley plans to use the certification not only as a recruitment tool to attract students, but also to attract companies seeking well-trained drivers.
Credibility is a significant reason why many seek PTDI certification. "We understand the value of PTDI-it lends credibility not only to our institution but to our employees," Shelton said. "They are going through a standardized program developed by professionals in the field, the program is recognized nationally, and there is employer confidence in our graduates."
In addition, properly training prospective drivers pays off, as evidenced by the supporting comments of these professionals. "Through our carrier, Swift Transportation, we have hired students from other facilities that are not PTDI trained and we have had complaints," Morris said. "I think that shows they are not trained properly."
"Trucking is a tremendously large industry, especially in our area," Shelton added, "so the more training, and especially standardized training, we can give drivers, the better drivers they will be and the safer our roads will be."
Staley agreed. "I think the standards that PTDI uses are a lot more stringent than people realize. To be honest, I think it ought to be mandatory for all truck driving schools to receive PTDI certification. It would better prepare students for their future careers and make the highways safer."
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