FTCC Kicks Off Construction of $21M Supply Chain Center to Help Fix Truck Driver Shortage

Work started Monday at Fayetteville Technical Community College on a $21.2 million training site. The new center will teach truck driving and repair skills in western Fayetteville.

"This facility will serve as a hub for truck driver training, supporting Fayetteville Tech, Bladen Community College, and Robeson Community College," FTCC President Mark Sorrells said in a news release. "The transportation industry urgently needs more qualified truck drivers to strengthen the supply chain for our state and nation."

The American Trucking Association warns of a critical gap, falling short of 115,000 drivers this year. This center aims to fill that need through combined training efforts.

The first build includes a practice area (600 by 900 feet) for Commercial Driver's License training. The space fits 14 trucks and adds special areas for gear shifting and skid control.

Phase two brings a 5,000-square-foot structure with study rooms, staff space, and a two-bay fix-it shop. This section will train future truck mechanics.

State funds provided $20.7 million. The Golden LEAF Foundation gave $500,000. Two more groups - the Cannon Foundation Inc. and Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trusts - added $400,000 for trucks and tools.

Current FTCC programs can't keep up with demand. Students wait six months to start. Yet the school's 10-week truck driving course puts every graduate into a job.

Kirk deViere, who leads the Cumberland County Commissioners, spoke about job readiness. "In today's competitive economy, being career-ready means more than just having a diploma. It means hands-on experience with tools, technology, and real-world challenges that employers demand," deViere said.

Former Representative John Szoka praised FTCC's money management. "Every single dime we ever voted for to come to FTCC has been put to great use, without a doubt," Szoka said.