In a push aimed to train truck drivers in Alabama, Coca-Cola UNITED made a special delivery to the Alabama Community College System.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, the company delivered two 16-bay, side-load, manual transmission diesel trucks to the ACCS.

Gianetta Jones, UNITED senior vice president and chief people officer, said the partnership between her company and the ACCS will help Alabamians better provide for their families.

“The opportunity to pour into the future of Alabama in a way that helps meets the needs of our associates, customers and communities through the Alabama Community College System is indicative of the culture of Coca-Cola United, and we are blessed to be able to do so,” Jones said. “Our hope is that the availability of these trucks can help increase class sizes and put more people in the trucks which, in turn, results in more people being able to earn a living for their families.”

ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker appreciated Coca-Cola UNITED’s investment in the system.

“For 60 years, the Alabama Community College System has existed to meet the workforce needs of Alabama, and how we do that must always be to the beat of the businesses and industry who employ the workers we are training,” he said. “We appreciate Coca-Cola UNITED for its continued commitment to join alongside our colleges for meaningful efforts that strengthen our programs, our students and our communities.”

For Army veteran Darrel Scott, a student in Trenholm State’s truck driving program, the training made a world of difference.

“I spoke to many alumni and students of this program and realized that it was worth a try, and I couldn’t be happier with the excellence I see in the program,” said Scott. “I’ve already purchased a truck and am hoping to one day to have my own fleet.

“To say I got training to start my own business, not even 20 miles away from where I live, really means something.”

The donated trucks will be kept at Trenholm State in Montgomery and Southern Union in Opelika.

Truck driving is among the fastest growing programs in the college system. Alabama’s community colleges have more than 20 truck driving programs and nearly 10,000 students sought credentials in the last five years.

According to the Alabama Trucking Association, trucking represents 125,000 jobs in Alabama or one of every 13 jobs.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.