The Medium/Heavy Truck program at SCTCC welcomed a new semi truck in its engine bay this morning. Long Haul Trucking of Albertville donated a 2016 Peterbilt 570 truck to the program, a start of a partnership that brings Paccar engines in for students to get experience on.
“SCTCC is local, and we’ve had some good techs come out of this program, so we thought it would be a good fit,” said Jason Michels, CEO of Long Haul Trucking. “Techs are so important to our operation, that giving back to the industry that’s going to funnel those techs into Long Haul Trucking is super important to us.”
Students gathered around the truck after it was pulled into the shop, checking out the engine and coupling. Getting newer trucks with different engines into the shop is a surefire way to keep students up to date with different techniques and more experience when they enter the field.
“We had wanted to get into more Peterbilts and Paccar engines, so we started talking with Long Haul Trucking,” said Matt Hoepner, instructor in the Medium/Heavy Truck program. “For us to stay up to date – it’s tough because trucks are expensive. This is going to a good home.”
This donation is the start of a new partnership between SCTCC and Long Haul Trucking. Dean of Trades and Industry Mike Mendez is excited to build and maintain the relationship. “We’re excited to get some of their vehicles in here in the future. These newer additions to the fleet will help our current and future students get ready for industry.”
Based on the enthusiasm of the Medium/Heavy Truck students as they checked out the Peterbilt truck, the partnership will be a success for not just SCTCC students, but for Long Haul and the industry as well.
