Post by glennw on Aug 15, 2003 12:54:06 GMT -5
I thought I would share this article on the program I am about to begin. It appeared in the Summer, 2003 issue of "Learning Curve", a publication of the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools.
Alexandria Technical College
Getting behind the wheel of an 18-wheel rig for the first time can be a little intimidating for a novice driver, but Alexandria Technical College (ATC) is greatly easing jitters with its new TranSim VS Driver Training Simulator.
The simulator, recently purchased by the Minnesota college, provides students with realistic vehicle operation on tough road conditions. Shifting on a wide range of grades, students can experience all of the major transmissions and different engines from a
variety of manufacturers, with assorted RPM and torque ranges.
"Students have appreciated the instantaneous feedback of the TranSim and tend to feel more comfortable with driving the real rig," notes Bill Fath, truck-driving instructor at Alexandria Technical College and vice president of the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools.
The ATC Truck Driver Training Program will also soon add Motor Coach and Dispatch Training. The school has purchased an MC9 Crusader motor coach for the purpose of training, allowing students to . earn their passenger endorsement. According to Path, not only will students be able to have an excellent background with semitrailer trucks, but they can also pursue their career even further with these upcoming courses.
The ATC Truck Driver Training Program has been in existence for 31 years. It consists of two 16-week programs. During this time, students receive training in the operation of commercial motor vehicles, state/federal regulations, safe operation fundamentals, defensive driving, general maintenance, CPR, first-aid and job-seeking skills.
"We believe that graduates with a thorough understanding of the industry best serve this field," Fath states.
In addition to classroom study, students are taught driving techniques on a backing range, driving range, rodeo course (close-quarter maneuvering) and over-the-road experiences in semi-tractor trailers. The Truck Driving Program also works closely with the Diesel Mechanics Program and offers a shorter CDL program for diesel students. This enables the diesel graduates, who will be working for repair facilities that work on commercial vehicles, to test-drive the vehicles after repairs have been completed.
ATC anticipates graduating approximately 40 truck driving students and 35 diesel students this year. Over the past 10 years, ATC's truck driving program has placed 96% of its graduates in trucking companies across the nation.
Utilizing 12 power units including various makes, models, and years, ranging from 1989-2001, the ATC program has a variety of transmissions used in the industry — including a 10 speed auto shift in the new KW. Trailers are also rotated between students daily to familiarize each of them with reefers, dry van, grain, flatbed, double drop, tankers, and double combination.
Fath has taught the Truck Driver Program 18 of the 31 years since the program was started in 1972. He is an active member of the National Safety Council, Minnesota Safety Council, American Trucking Association and the Minnesota Truckers Association. He is also a third-party Commercial Driver's License tester for the state of Minnesota. His 30+ years of experience in the trucking industry includes working as a mechanic, owner-operator, dispatcher, and co-owner of a trucking company. His involvement in the industry allows him to stay current with changes taking place in the country's leading industry — transportation.
Fath and the college thrive on the motto, "A Tradition of Excellence," working hard so graduates are prepared for long and successful careers as professional truck drivers.
"Remember, if you got it, a truck driver brought it," Fath states.
Alexandria Technical College
Getting behind the wheel of an 18-wheel rig for the first time can be a little intimidating for a novice driver, but Alexandria Technical College (ATC) is greatly easing jitters with its new TranSim VS Driver Training Simulator.
The simulator, recently purchased by the Minnesota college, provides students with realistic vehicle operation on tough road conditions. Shifting on a wide range of grades, students can experience all of the major transmissions and different engines from a
variety of manufacturers, with assorted RPM and torque ranges.
"Students have appreciated the instantaneous feedback of the TranSim and tend to feel more comfortable with driving the real rig," notes Bill Fath, truck-driving instructor at Alexandria Technical College and vice president of the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools.
The ATC Truck Driver Training Program will also soon add Motor Coach and Dispatch Training. The school has purchased an MC9 Crusader motor coach for the purpose of training, allowing students to . earn their passenger endorsement. According to Path, not only will students be able to have an excellent background with semitrailer trucks, but they can also pursue their career even further with these upcoming courses.
The ATC Truck Driver Training Program has been in existence for 31 years. It consists of two 16-week programs. During this time, students receive training in the operation of commercial motor vehicles, state/federal regulations, safe operation fundamentals, defensive driving, general maintenance, CPR, first-aid and job-seeking skills.
"We believe that graduates with a thorough understanding of the industry best serve this field," Fath states.
In addition to classroom study, students are taught driving techniques on a backing range, driving range, rodeo course (close-quarter maneuvering) and over-the-road experiences in semi-tractor trailers. The Truck Driving Program also works closely with the Diesel Mechanics Program and offers a shorter CDL program for diesel students. This enables the diesel graduates, who will be working for repair facilities that work on commercial vehicles, to test-drive the vehicles after repairs have been completed.
ATC anticipates graduating approximately 40 truck driving students and 35 diesel students this year. Over the past 10 years, ATC's truck driving program has placed 96% of its graduates in trucking companies across the nation.
Utilizing 12 power units including various makes, models, and years, ranging from 1989-2001, the ATC program has a variety of transmissions used in the industry — including a 10 speed auto shift in the new KW. Trailers are also rotated between students daily to familiarize each of them with reefers, dry van, grain, flatbed, double drop, tankers, and double combination.
Fath has taught the Truck Driver Program 18 of the 31 years since the program was started in 1972. He is an active member of the National Safety Council, Minnesota Safety Council, American Trucking Association and the Minnesota Truckers Association. He is also a third-party Commercial Driver's License tester for the state of Minnesota. His 30+ years of experience in the trucking industry includes working as a mechanic, owner-operator, dispatcher, and co-owner of a trucking company. His involvement in the industry allows him to stay current with changes taking place in the country's leading industry — transportation.
Fath and the college thrive on the motto, "A Tradition of Excellence," working hard so graduates are prepared for long and successful careers as professional truck drivers.
"Remember, if you got it, a truck driver brought it," Fath states.