When Jackie Bunch saw the flyer for College of The Albemarle’s (COA) first Truck Driver Training program, she said to herself, “Here is my chance to get in this class.” She had previously enrolled in another program, but got frustrated and dropped out early on. Jackie knew that she could complete the training if she gave it her all, and she felt that COA’s program would be the right fit for her to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Jackie was the only female student in the inaugural class of the Truck Driver Training program at COA. “I would tell any woman who wants to become a truck driver to go for it. They (employers) need women on the job, so don’t let being in a class with all men bother you,” she said. Jackie completed the 10-week, 384-hour program in January of 2021. She is currently applying for truck driving jobs now that she has officially obtained her CDL.

Jackie’s advice to others is to have faith and never give up on goals you have set for yourself. “Always follow your dreams, put God first and believe in Him. Don’t be scared to make a change and to step out on faith,” she shared. Jackie also said that while she gave up on the training the first time, she was determined to complete the program this time around. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it; if you want it, you will come out on top.”