The Transport Training Institute (TTI) at Ozarks Technical Community College will cease operations on June 30, 2015. The TTI opened in 2007 as part of OTC’s Center for Workforce Development. During its existence, the TTI has trained 360 drivers to obtain Commercial Driver Licenses.
“We know that the TTI produced high-quality, well-trained drivers to work for our industry partners,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, chancellor Ozarks Technical Community College. “But at this time, it’s in the best financial interest of the college to suspend the Transport Training Institute.
Several factors played into the decision:
- The loss of the training venue. The TTI used the Duck Pond in Ozark for driver training. With the creation of the Ozarks Professional Baseball League, OTC will be losing its training site and would have to find a new facility.
- An end to grant funding for driver training. TTI received several grants when it first opened, but has had none since 2012. Grants funded student tuition, but, now, students have to pay the $3,500 tuition out-of-pocket. Grant funding came from the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Association, Training for Tomorrow and Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
- A decrease in students. When TTI had grant funding, it would typically have seven students per five-week class. Since the grant funding ended in 2012, the TTI has averaged four to five students per class and many dis-enroll early in the session.
- Age of equipment. The TTI received generous donation of tractors and trailers at its inception, but those vehicles are now eight years old and need repairs or replacement. The monthly costs for mechanical repairs and fuel for OTC’s four tractor-trailer rigs are approximately $4,100. The equipment will be offered back to the donors.
The closure affects one full-time OTC employee, and the college is assisting that individual in finding new employment.