Fayetteville, NC – The City of Fayetteville today presented a city bus to Fayetteville Technical Community College. The Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) bus will be used by FTCC in a new training program for people seeking a Class B Commercial Driver’s License that permits transportation of 16 or more passengers at a time.
Fayetteville Mayor, Mitch Colvin and FTCC President, Dr. Larry J. Keen
FTCC students who commit to driving for FAST upon completion of the training program may be eligible for scholarships funded by the City. That funding is included in the city’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget. The City’s FY22 budget also includes money to support a FAST Transit Operator trainee position. The trainee would be paid by the city while completing the FTCC training program.
“This training program is a win-win partnership for FTCC and the City of Fayetteville,” said FTCC President Dr. Larry Keen. “FTCC wins by expanding its training opportunities for students. The City wins because its FAST bus service needs more drivers. And Fayetteville area residents win because of the increased job opportunities for trainees and the additional bus drivers for FAST riders.”
Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin thanked FTCC for working with the City to create the training program. “We need qualified drivers,” he said of the FAST bus service. “We need to try to make sure our residents have the skills to take advantage of the job opportunities the City offers.”
The bus handover ceremony took place inside the FAST Transit Center at 505 Franklin St. in downtown Fayetteville. Mayor Colvin presented Dr. Keen with a giant key to symbolize the transfer.
The 200-hour Class B with P (passenger) endorsement CDL training program is expected to begin in September. It is open to the public. For information about the program, please contact FTCC CDL Driving Instructor Eric Smith at 910-486-3909 or smither@faytechcc.edu.
Facts about the Class B with Passenger CDL Training Program
Official program title: Class B with Passenger Endorsement CDL Training Program
Start date: September 2021 (projected)
Degree or certificate that can be earned: Entry Level Driving Certification and Class B with Passenger Endorsement Commercial Driver’s License
How long does it take to earn the credential? 200 hours
Who can apply to the program? It is open to all.
What happens after someone graduates from the program? FTCC encourages employers to visit the class and meet prospective employees. FTCC also encourages employers to participate in career days to provide feedback and hire students. The main objective of this course, besides the training, is for students to become gainfully employed.
Is there a scholarship associated with the program? Students may be eligible for scholarships through FAST.
Are these day/night classes? The first class will be during the day. An evening class will be added after the first class starts.
Is it a part-time or full-time program? The day class will be full-time. The evening class, once it is added, will be part-time.
Who are ideal candidates for the program? Anyone 18 years or older with a clean driving record.
Where can I go for more information about the program? Please contact FTCC CDL Driving Instructor Eric Smith at 910-486-3909 or smither@faytechcc.edu.