Illinois Valley Community College is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Truck Driver Training Program. To celebrate, the college unveiled two advanced driving simulators, purchased with help from a state grant. These simulators offer hands-on experience in a safe environment, preparing students for real-world challenges on the road. Since launching in 2000, the program has graduated over 2,000 students, who have gone on to meet strong industry demand and promote safer driving practices. College officials say these updates will keep the program at the forefront of truck driver education in the years ahead. There will be an open house from 3 PM to 6 PM on Thursday, April 24th, at the training facility on the Oglesby campus.
“We could not be more excited to celebrate this milestone,” said Rebecca Zamora, dean of workforce development career and technical programs. “This is a testament to the dedication of our instructors, staff and students and the vital role professional drivers play in keeping our communities and economy moving.”
Program Coordinator Tom Nestler says the photo wall is a sign of the students’ success but also serves as a reminder to drivers who meet trucks on the road. “Remember there is a person behind that wheel; it is not just a truck.”
A local truck driver training program is marking a milestone, celebrating 2,025 graduates since opening in 2000. Inside one classroom, a Wall of Honor displays proud alumni, many passing the legacy to their children. Program Coordinator Tom Nestler says the wall celebrates achievements and serves as a reminder: every truck has a person behind the wheel. New driving simulators, funded by a $300,000 grant from the Illinois Community College Board, are now enhancing hands-on learning. The simulators will also be used in youth camps, encouraging high school and college students to explore skilled trades and consider careers behind the wheel.
The simulators’ arrival coincided with the anniversary plans perfectly, said Nestler. “They are going to help our program tremendously. The new building was probably the last time we had this much excitement!”
“You can see how you react and understand that turning a corner in a 70-foot truck is not like being in a car,” Nestler said.
Each year, 120 students complete intensive four- or six-week sessions, starting with testing for a permit and advancing to behind-the-wheel instruction. Small class sizes and personalized training from a team of eight experienced instructors contribute to an impressive graduation rate. Alumni Kevin Minnick and Miranda Leffelman credit these strengths for their decision to enroll and their success on the road.
As operations manager of Peru’s electric department, Minnick now sends his drivers to IVCC. “Tom and his instructors provide high quality training that is uniquely individualized. They have a very effective blend of knowledge training and skill training,” Minnick said.
Leffelman has worked for two major trucking firms since she graduated, and said she appreciated the small classes at IVCC. “We did not have to wait an hour for our turn at the wheel and got a closer look at how we all performed. All the instructors had a lot of driving experience and were there because they wanted to train us to be successful.” Minnick and Leffelman appreciated the program’s emphasis on safety. “You become more aware of driving when you realize how big and how fast and how heavy a truck can be,” Leffelman said. “It takes a lot of people to keep you moving so at the end of the day you come to work safe and make it home safe and have a good day.”
