Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1060790
T H E A R E A S U R R O U N D I N G Patterson High School in Patterson has become a mecca for distribution centers the last several years, bringing in companies such as Amazon, Grainger, Kohl's, CVS and Restoration Hardware. Big rigs crowd the highway and roads around the school, car- rying goods to and from these centers. Patterson High , in western Stanislaus County, had already taken advantage of what was happening by creating a Supply Chain and Logistics Management program to train students for entry-level positions at the distribution centers. en two years ago, Dave Dein, a fourth-grade teacher in the Patterson Joint Unified School District, approached Superintendent Philip Alfano with the idea of starting a commercial truck-driving school. In the fall of 2017, Patterson High became one of the first high schools in the nation to offer the yearlong pro- gram, available to seniors. " This program helps train students for well-paying jobs in an industr y w h ere a shortage of trained drivers looms," Dein says. Students have been thrilled. "e first day I walked into the classroom, I realized [the program] will have a positive impact on my life because of the opportu- nities trucking has," says student Manuel Solorio Morales. Student Javier Diaz completed the pro- gram this past September and received over 15 job offers after obtaining his Class A license. He chose to work for Bivio Trucking, a program partner dedicated to creating career paths for Patterson students. for the Long Haul Educator's program teaches students skills for a viable industry aith Dave Dein, far left, with students in Patterson High School's commercial truck driving program. The students hold certificates showing completion of operations and safety training. Students receive 80 hours of classroom instruction time. 48 cta.org Teaching & Learning Dave Dein