Mountaire gifts truck tractor for CCCC’s Truck Driver Training Program

SANFORD, N.C. — The Central Carolina Community College Foundation has received a gift from Mountaire Farms Inc. of a 2020 Kenworth T680 Sleeper Tractor that will be used in the college's Commercial Truck Driver Training Program.

Margaret Roberton, CCCC Vice President for Workforce Development / Chief of Staff, noted of the contribution: “Central Carolina Community College is deeply appreciative to Mountaire Farms for their donation of a truck tractor to support our CDL program. As the program continues to grow, this contribution plays a vital role in expanding access for students and preparing them for high-quality, in- demand careers in the transportation industry. The college's partnership with Mountaire Farms is extremely important and we look forward to working with them to help provide a quality workforce in transportation and across the company.”

“Mountaire is proud to support the CDL program at Central Carolina Community College because we know how important it is to train the next generation of truck drivers,” said Amanda Irwin, President of Mountaire Farms. This is the second truck tractor the poultry company has donated to the college since opening their processing plant in Siler City in 2019. In September 2022, Mountaire donated the first truck tractor for people to learn how to operate.

“The supply chain in the United States continues to face a critical shortage of drivers, and we should be doing everything we can to encourage people to consider this as a flexible and lucrative career choice. This program offers anyone the opportunity to learn a skill that almost guarantees job placement after they graduate,” said Irwin. “We are fortunate to have a strong partnership with CCCC; they are a wonderful resource in our community. We hope graduates of this program will consider Mountaire as a preferred employer in Chatham County. But even if they don’t, helping CCCC train drivers benefits everyone.” 

The CDL course prepares students for the Class A Commercial Driver License. Instruction includes theory, and practical hands-on behind-the-wheel operation of tractor trailers preparing students to safely operate tractor trailer vehicles on the road to and from pickup and delivery points. Emphasis is placed on defensive driving, Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations, trip planning, cargo handling, vehicle systems, hours of service, vehicle inspection, and accident prevention. Upon successful completion, students will be able to demonstrate the skills required for the commercial driver license and employment.

Darrell McLaurin, CCCC CDL Program Coordinator, said of the donation: “The CCCC CDL Training Team appreciates Mountaire's continued support for our program. This donation will allow us to reach our goal of expanding the program to train more students.”

Dr. Emily C. Hare, Executive Director of the CCCC Foundation, noted: “We are incredibly grateful for Mountaire's generous donation of this truck, which directly supports the advancement of the CCCC Commercial Driver License program.  This gift will help us provide hands-on training to individuals preparing for careers in the high demand trucking industry. We value our partnership with Mountaire and look forward to future opportunities to collaborate in building a stronger, more skilled workforce for our community.”

For more information on the Commercial Truck Driver Training program, visit www.cccc.edu/cdl.

The CCCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with, but independent of, the college. It receives donations of money and equipment on behalf of CCCC and uses them to promote the educational mission of the college and assist students through scholarships and grants.

For information on giving to the CCCC Foundation, contact Dr. Emily C. Hare, Executive Director of the CCCC Foundation, (919) 718-7230, or ehare@cccc.edu.