Jobless Seek Careers Driving Tractor-Trailer Rigs

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- American Truck Training has seen the number of students triple recently as people continue to lose jobs.

"Ninety-five percent of the goods in this country sooner or later have to be touched by a truck," CEO Jerry Thurman said.

Every student enrolled in the driving school works toward a commercial drivers license and is guaranteed a job. Find the closest location near you.

"I worked for a pharmaceutical plant in Norman, Oklahoma and after 16 years of service, I was laid off," student Charles Gomez said.

At 46-years-old, Liz Hensley found herself in a similar situation, forcing her to move in with her mother. Many more are also getting behind the wheel of tractor-trailer rigs.

Recruiter William Uselton said many of the students hold degrees, but have recently found themselves out of work.

"You'll see people with laptops," Uselton said. "People reading the Wall Street Journal."

As American Truck Training helps the jobless drive their way into a new careers, they're expecting many more students as the difficult economic times continue.

American Truck Training is getting ready to expand its campus. Prospective students can even apply online.