Wallace State to unveil new Transport Trailer Technology short-term certificate during Spring 2016 semester

HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Wallace State’s Diesel Technology program is adding a Transport Trailer Technology short-term certificate to its course offerings.
The Transport Trailer Technology certificate can be completed by enrolling in five classes in one semester and is set to begin with the Spring 2016 semester. It will become the third short certificate offering in the program, joining the Preventive Maintenance and Diesel Engine Specialist options.
“A student can come in one semester, take five classes and they’ll be able to walk into the industry or they can transition into another certificate in our program,” said Jeremy Smith, Wallace State’s Diesel Technology Department Chair. “The transport trailer technology option is for someone who doesn’t want to tackle the electronics side of things or doesn’t want to be an engine guru. There’s a lot of physical labor involved, and as is the case with other options, it’s not for everyone enrolled in diesel technology. Students choose the career pathway to take, which is a good thing when it’s all said and done.
“There are huge dividends, and this is ultimately about putting more people to work. If we can figure out another way for a student to succeed, that’s what we are going to do here.”
The Transport Trailer Technology option will allow students to work on multiple parts of structural and heavy duty truck trailers, including conducting preventive maintenance, trailer inspection, tire repair, trailer air brake systems, suspension repair, wheel end procedures and trailer electrical/electronic circuits. They’ll learn how to perform structural repairs, including side panels, interior panels, upper and lower rail systems and work to maintain the overall structural integrity of transport trailers.
Smith said a transport trailer technician can enter the field earning from $13 to $30 an hour depending on their experience and abilities.
Wallace State has previously established strong rapports with McGriff Industries and My-Way Transportation, both located in Cullman County, and Smith said both companies were instrumental in providing important feedback throughout the implementation of the new certificate.
“We always enjoy working with local industry leaders like McGriff Industries and My-Way Transportation. They are big players in this business and tickets to putting our students to work. We are looking forward to working with them as this hits the ground. We’ve also had W.W. Williams, Southland International and Truckworx Kenworth express interest with us regarding this certificate,” Smith said. “Local industry needs this certificate put in place because they have trailers needing to be worked on. Industry usually has generally two to three trailers per truck. A lot of folks have a lot more trailers than they do trucks. Our goal is to also be able to repair refrigerated and box trailers as well as flat beds.”
My-Way Transportation has already donated four trailers specifically for the transport trailer technology program.
“We’re continuing to compile the materials, and we have a good idea on how we are going to make this successful,” Smith said. “This certificate is going to be another piece of the pie for our students to choose from.”
In addition to the Transport Trailer Technology short certificate offered, Wallace State’s Diesel Technology program offers a Preventive Maintenance Specialist short-term certificate, a Diesel Engine Specialist short-term certificate, an Associate in Applied Science General Technology and a Diesel Technology long-term certificate.
Wallace State also unveiled a Transportation Management option last fall as part of its Business Management program.
For more information about the new certificate, contact Smith at 256.352.8063 or email him at jeremy.smith@wallacestate.edu.
For more information about Wallace State, visit wallacestate.edu.
###
______________________________
Russell Moore
Staff Writer
Wallace State Community College
P.O. Box 2000, Hanceville, AL 35077
1-866-350-9722    256-352-8443 direct
Russell.Moore@wallacestate.edu
Visit us online at www.wallacestate.edu
 
Kristen Holmes
Communications & Marketing Director, and
Administrator, The Evelyn Burrow Museum
Wallace State Community College
801 Main Street NW | Hanceville, AL 35077
E-mail: kristen.holmes@wallacestate.edu
Office: 256.352.8118 | Cell: 256.339.2519 | Toll Free: 866.350.9722