ECC president Dave Sam: Learn a skill, earn a good-paying job
Eight-hundred and ninety-thousand. That is the number of truck driving jobs forecast by the American Trucking Associations that will be open by 2025. That means 890,000 drivers will be needed. As your community college, we are prepared to meet that demand with one of the best truck driving programs in the region.
At Elgin Community College, 100 percent of our truck driving students graduate and 100 percent of them receive job offers. Our program is highly regarded and provides students with more in-classroom and behind-the-wheel training than is required by the state.
Truck driving is one industry that will not be replaced by technology. However, there is no doubt that technology has made it better. Stop by our campus to see the state-of-the-art simulator that puts students in the driver's seat before they start practicing on the road.
Skilled trade programs have an enormous impact on the community. Take ECC's nursing program for example. I am always impressed by the number of ECC graduates who are currently working as nurses in our community. If you or your loved one have ever received medical care at a hospital in District 509, chances are, it was an ECC nurse who took care of you!
Our health professions programs prepare students for a wide range of medical careers from histotechnology to massage therapy.
When I think of additional programs that provide skills to help improve our communities, I also think about the importance of adult education and the exceptional classroom instruction taking place at the Hanover Park Education and Work Center (EWC). English as a Second Language and high school equivalency classes help improve student lives and the communities in which they live.
We are proud of our EWC partnership with Harper College, the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, the Village of Hanover Park, and the state of Illinois. Each year, together, we serve more than 600 students. In addition to an education, students receive advising and assistance with job training, financial aid, scholarships and college applications. All of the classes and services offered at the center are no cost to the student.
What are you waiting for? Skilled trade programs are a good investment that can lead to good paying jobs and a better quality of life. Take charge of your future.
Call our admissions office at (847) 214-7385, for more information.
- David Sam, Ph.D., JD, LLM, President, Elgin Community College