Trucking program to open in Niles

Lake Michigan College’s Niles campus will soon prepare students to hit the road. Thanks in part to the donation of two trucks from N&M Transfer, headquartered in Neenah, Wis., LMC, in partnership with Tri-Area Trucking School, is offering a three-week commercial driving license program scheduled to begin in late February or early March that includes classroom instruction and hands-on driving experiences.

N&M Transfer is in the process of building a facility adjacent to LMC’s Niles campus at Bertrand Crossing. Tom Beres, N&M senior account manager, said drivers typically earn between $60,000 and $70,000 a year.

“Transportation industry workers are in high demand, and the employment outlook is very strong,” said Dr. Leslie Kellogg, LMC’s Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “We’re very excited about this public-private partnership. It’s a win for the college. It’s a win for N&M trucking, and it’s a win for our region because this is a high-demand occupation that is in need of workers.”

LMC’s trucking program will train prospective drivers for employment at both Niles and South Haven campuses with classroom instruction on regulations, defensive driving, logbook instructions, and other in-depth knowledge of the industry. Students will use the donated trucks from N&M and the new commercial facility in Niles for hands-on learning from general driving behavior to working with fellow drivers on the road. Students finish the program by passing the commercial driver’s license test.

Those interested in learning more about the program should email Nicholas Hooper,
LMC’s Niles campus director .