South Georgia Technical College Commercial Truck Driving graduate Jodie Caldwell is already hitting the road in her new career after securing employment with U.S. Xpress shortly after completing the program.
Caldwell, who graduated from SGTC’s Commercial Truck Driving program in March, was recently contacted by Career Services Director Cynthia Carter while completing training in San Luis, Colorado. She was hired by U.S. Xpress, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, in early May and is currently completing four weeks of over-the-road training on the West Coast.
According to Caldwell, the support she received from the instructors in SGTC’s Commercial Truck Driving program played an important role in helping her reach her goal. She expressed appreciation for Cordele CDL instructor Taylor Hughes and the Americus campus instructors, where she completed her CDL testing with Nick Edwards.
Caldwell said Career Services also served as a valuable resource throughout her job search and transition into the trucking industry.
Before beginning her trucking career, Caldwell held a variety of professional roles, including serving as a police officer in Cordele, working as a travel specialist, and working as a flight attendant. She said those experiences helped prepare her for the challenges and opportunities of life on the road.
As a mother of six, Caldwell credits her family's support for helping her pursue a new career path. Her husband is currently caring for their children while also serving as a coach for a local high school football team.
Women continue to make strides in the trucking industry, where pay is based on experience, qualifications, and performance rather than gender. According to the Women in Trucking Association, women account for approximately 10 percent of professional truck drivers in the United States, and that number continues to grow as more women enter the profession.
Caldwell said she is excited to continue learning and growing in her new role with U.S. Xpress. After completing training, she plans to join the company's West Coast Regional fleet while working toward a long-term goal of building a permanent home for her family in Colorado’s San Luis Valley.
South Georgia Technical College offers Commercial Truck Driving and over 200 other programs designed to prepare students for rewarding careers. For more information about SGTC programs and to apply for admission, visit www.southgatech.edu. Fall semester classes begin August 17.