KLLM, Hinds CC mark 1,000th completion in truck apprenticeship

RICHLAND, Miss. (VDN) — Hinds Community College, in partnership with KLLM Transport Services and the U.S. Department of Labor, celebrated a significant milestone in April with the 1,000th apprentice completing the Truck Driver Registered Apprenticeship program.

The partnership, established in 2018, supports aspiring truck drivers through the KLLM Driving Academy, located in Richland off Highway 49.

The Registered Apprenticeship is a one-year, Hinds-sponsored program that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. A new cohort begins each week, with apprentices earning wage increases as they reach program benchmarks. Tuition is fully covered upon completion, and graduates receive a completion certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor.

“KLLM is committed to having the safest truck drivers on the road and ensuring from the beginning they are set up for a successful career in the industry,” said Kirk Blankenship, VP of Driver Resources and Logistics at KLLM. “This apprenticeship program provides an intentionally structured training model. Apprentices receive a completion certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor as a nice accolade at the conclusion of the program.”

Josh Bower, Hinds’ dean of Agriculture and Transportation and director of Talent, Workforce, and Economic Development, praised the enduring collaboration with KLLM, calling the program a key contributor to student success in the trucking industry.

The program was initially supported by a multi-year Mississippi Apprenticeship Program (MAP) grant awarded by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. Although the MAP grant concluded last year, Hinds officials said they are optimistic about future grant partnerships with MDES.

“I extend my congratulations and sincere thanks to everyone who helped reach the milestone of 1,000 apprentice completions. This achievement highlights the vital role public-private partnerships play in advancing nationally recognized programs like the KLLM Truck Driver Registered Apprenticeship,” said Dr. Bill Ashley, Executive Director of MDES. “It’s also fitting that this milestone was reached on April 30—National Apprenticeship Day.”

For more information about the KLLM Truck Driving Academy, contact Joy Granger at 601-857-3341.