OTC adds trucking program

The college is leasing space for classrooms and offices, as well as use of the parking lots and land for driver training. OTC officials expect to start the commercial driver-training program in February.

“The school will provide well-trained semi-truck drivers to fill a large void in the Springfield area,” OTC President Hal Higdon said in a news release. “Local trucking companies continue to struggle with having enough skilled drivers. This school will help local businesses stay competitive and provide well-paying jobs.”

According to a recent study commissioned by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the number of jobs in the logistics sector – transportation, warehousing and wholesale trade – is third highest in the Springfield area, behind retail and health care. Logistics firms employ 22,400 people and directly spend $5.2 billion, which has a secondary impact of about $9.1 billion on the regional economy, according to the study. Those firms pay an average annual salary of $44,500.

Price Cutter Park is the former home of Ozark Mountain Ducks baseball. The park will continue to be used for sporting and entertainment events when classes are not in session.