Trucking Industry Desperate For Workers, Holding Job Fair
HENDERSON, Colo. (CBS4) - Colorado's unemployment rate just moved up to 8.3 percent, but one industry is desperate for workers.
On Tuesday a dozen trucking companies will hold a job fair. They say they will even pay for training. The students CBS4 talked with have jobs before they even finish the three-week program.
Trucking isn't for everyone, but for those who need a job with good pay, good benefits and a flexible work schedule, driving is an option.
Students at the Sage Truck Driving School in Henderson are learning the finer points of trucking. They need to be able to spot a problem with their rig before they take off on the road. For some it's a career change.
Barry Boland used to install satellite dishes, but decided to make a change.
"Mainly the money, there's a big demand," Boland said.
Monday was Boland's first day of school, yet he already has a job offer and the company will reimburse him for his tuition.
"I always liked the feel of being in a big truck," Aaron Drake said.
Drake just got out of the military. He is a new student as well.
"I got hired with one of the big companies and plan on getting on the road," he said.
"We could get a 150 people tomorrow at our job fair and place every one of those 150 and the trucking industry would be looking for the next 150 people," Bonnie Babcock with Sage Truck Driving School said.
Babcock says oil companies are hiring drivers in record numbers, which has contributed to an already severe driver shortage.
"After 3 1/2 weeks you're onto a career," she said.
It's almost a guarantee that all the students will have not one, but multiple job offers, both locally and across the country before they even graduate.
Starting salaries range from $40,000 a year to six figures, depending on the company and a driver's desire for overtime.
On Tuesday, Aug. 21, a dozen trucking companies will hold a job fair at the Sage Truck Driving School from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. located at 10401 East 102nd Avenue in Henderson.
