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The Baker College of Flint truck driving certificate program has been granted recertification by the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI). Recertification covers the truck driving programs at Baker’s Center for Transportation Technology (CTT) and the Saginaw Driver Training Center. Certification is valid for five years.

“As the only PTDI-certified program in Michigan, Baker College is proud of its long history of providing quality truck driving training and education for individuals throughout Michigan and beyond,” said David Wehman, Baker College System program coordinator, transportation management. “We now have carriers who select only Baker students. This is due in part to the longevity of our program and depth of our curriculum.”

The Baker College truck driving certificate program prepares graduates for entry-level positions as local or long-distance drivers of tractor-trailers, heavy trucks, dump trucks and tankers. Courses are designed to enable graduates to sit for the state of Michigan Commercial Driver Licensing Class A exam.

“The employment outlook is excellent,” said Wehman. “According to the American Trucking Association, there is currently a shortage of approximately 20,000 truck drivers per year and this number is expected to increase to 111,000 drivers by 2014.”

A first year driver may earn, on average, $35,000 per year with benefits.

“According to 2010 data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics,” said Wehman, “the lowest 10 percent of drivers earn $24,730 annually, the lowest 24 percent earn $30,270 a year, the median salary is $37,770, while the top 10 percent of drivers earn $57,480.”

Graduates of the truck driving certificate program at Baker College of Flint may also go on to earn a supply chain management bachelor’s degree.

“This is a great way for students to continue their education while making a viable living as a professional driver,” said Phillip W. Whitmer, Baker College of Flint dean of transportation technology. “All credits earned in the truck driving certificate degree may be carried forward into the bachelor’s degree program.”

PTDI-certified courses are currently offered at 61 schools in 22 states and one Canadian province. In addition to Baker College of Flint, Baker College of Cadillac and Baker College of Port Huron also offer the program.

The PTDI is a national nonprofit organization sponsored by the trucking industry to advance truck driver training proficiency, safety and professionalism to industry standards. It evaluates compliance with 32 certification standards, which include administration, curriculum, instructional personnel, training vehicles, instruction and evaluation.