L-R Wiregrass Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Joe Sumner, Wiregrass Dean for Technical and Industrial Michael Williams, Wiregrass Executive Director for Academic Success Crissy Staley, Walmart General Transportation Manager Bill Sleeth, Walmart Maintenance Manager 6710 Douglas Ga Jim Westenfield, and Walmart Regional Maintenance Manager Mac Kennedy.
Douglas, GA — Walmart Transportation has made a $50,000 donation to assist with the expansion of the Diesel Truck Maintenance program at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. In response to the generous donation, the college has named a classroom the “Walmart Diesel Technology Lab”.
Walmart General Transportation Manager Bill Sleeth shared, “The industry is down 60,000 drivers right now. If current trends continue within eight years there will be a shortage of 160,000 drivers. The industry is seeing similar shortfalls with qualified Diesel Technicians. The economy as a whole depends heavily on the transportation industry. A shortage in drivers and technicians can hurt Walmart’s business and this is why Walmart Transportation is investing in the Diesel Truck Maintenance program at Wiregrass.”
“Wiregrass is excited to partner with Walmart Transportation and appreciates their generous donation to our students and program,” shared Wiregrass President Dr. Tina K. Anderson. The Diesel Maintenance program started in 2017 due to a demand in the communities Wiregrass serves for qualified diesel mechanics. The program was started to meet the employment needs of local employers. The most recent job placement rate is 100%. Graduates are finding employment at businesses like Walmart, Transpower, Midway Trucking, and American Truck Parts.
Wiregrass offers technical certificates of credit in Diesel Truck Maintenance Technician and Diesel Electrical/Electronic Systems Technician. The Diesel Truck Maintenance program covers diesel shop safety, tools and equipment, preventive maintenance procedures, truck brake systems, and truck drive trains. The Diesel Electrical/Electronic Systems Technician certificate is also offered for high school students under Dual Enrollment.
The program is offered on the Wiregrass Coffee Campus only and is accepting new students for Spring Semester. Classes start January 11. The Diesel Truck Maintenance program qualifies for the HOPE Career Grant which allows qualified applicants to receive additional monies to help pay for tuition, books, and fees. For more information about the college and programs, visit https://www.wiregrass.edu. To learn more about naming opportunities, ways to give, or how to leave a lasting legacy, please contact Crissy Staley, Executive Director of Fundraising, at 229-333-2124 or crissy.staley@wiregrass.edu.
