ATC Transportation Academy has jobs lined up

ALBANY — Some say there are no sure things, but Albany Technical College President Anthony Parker told Albany city commissioners Tuesday about a program at the school that’s about as close as one can get.

Parker, who will join government officials, area business leaders and Technical College System of Georgia officials May 17 at the Albany-Dougherty Government Center to officially unveil the program he told commissioners about Tuesday, told the board graduates of the accelerated program could be making up to $55,000 in eight weeks.

“One of the things our business leaders like Mr. (Werhner) Washington (the plant manager at Procter & Gamble Albany) told us is that transportation has become a need,” Parker told the commission. “So we’ve developed a program that will allow students to obtain a CDL license in eight weeks. And we anticipate 100 percent job placement with this program.

“We’ve been told by one carrier that they will hire up to 25 drivers as soon as they get their license.”

Additionally, Parker said, well-paying jobs are available now for students who complete Albany Tech’s more long-term diesel tech program.

“We lead the state technical college system in job placement (93 percent overall), but every year we leave between 300 and 600 jobs on the table, unfilled,” Parker said. “We will roll out the Transportation Academy May 17th, and that’s an opportunity for our citizens to move quickly into good-paying jobs.

“And both the transportation and diesel tech programs are HOPE and HOPE-enhanced programs. What that means is that applicants will have to complete a background check and a drug screen. Everything else will be completely paid for.”

Mayor Dorothy Hubbard lauded the innovative program.

“What our citizens must realize is that we do have jobs here in Albany; we just have to get qualified applicants to fill them,” she said. “This is an excellent opportunity.”

Ward III Commissioner B.J. Fletcher marvelled at the short amount of time required to complete the CDL program.

“So, Dr. Parker, what you’re telling us is that in eight weeks, people will be able to completely turn their lives around,” she said. “And with 100 percent job placement. This is just amazing. Thank you, sir, for bringing this opportunity to our citizens.”

Parker will host the Transportation Academy unveiling ceremony May 17 at 11 a.m.