PENDLETON —- Tri-County Technical College’s Corporate and Community Education (CCE) Division is reaching out to individuals interested in a career in truck driving by hosting a Job Fair and Training Expo Tuesday, April 9.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. – noon at Tri-County Technical College’s Anderson Campus, located at 511 Michelin Blvd. in Anderson.

Participants will be given the opportunity to meet and interview with area truck driving employers and/or to find out about training options available to start a career in this field. “This is a great opportunity for them to talk with potential employers about their career choices and to take the first steps toward a new career path in truck driving,” said Sandra Strickland, program manager for the CCE Division.

The expo will include a tour of the facility and information on the Truck Driver Training program, admission requirements and financial assistance options.

Tri-County’s Commercial Truck Driving Program is classified as Quick Jobs — quick, affordable and in-demand training that can be completed in 90 days or less. The program provides both Class A and Class B training. The program provides students with required training (50 hours of classroom, 50 hours of range, 32 hours of observation and 16 hours of behind-the-wheel driving per student) and licensure to be able to enter the work force. “It appeals to those who are looking for a career change, have been unemployed for a while and looking to get back into the workforce or simply know that commercial driving is what they want to pursue as their life work,” said Strickland.

“You can train for four weeks and if you pass the licensure exam, you are eligible to compete for the 930 jobs available in S.C. alone,” she said. Persons must be 18 years of age with a good driving record to enroll.

Certification can lead to long-time, full-time or part-time employment.

According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. As the economy grows, the demand for goods will increase and more truck drivers will be needed to keep supply chains moving. The median salary is $18 per hour or $37,700 per year.

For more information, call (864) 646-1700.