Truck Driving Bootcampers take part in completion ceremony

Guam Community College recognized 16 individuals for successfully completing the Truck Driving III and IV Bootcamps, last Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 at the GCC Multipurpose Auditorium.

Bootcampers participated in classroom instruction, simulation training and actual live-driving instruction and training, to prepare them to pass the Department of Revenue and Taxation Division of Motor Vehicles Class C License exam. In addition, upon successful completion, participants will receive certificates of completion in OSHA-10, Heartsavers (CPR/First Aid), Work Ethic, and WorkKeys®.

Latino H. Santos, Bootcamp III completer, stated that his experience with the bootcamp was not an easy task but he was glad that he signed up for it. “I started this bootcamp in 2021 and we were all still going through the COVID-19 pandemic and me and my fellow boot campers were separated for safety,” said Santos. “It wasn’t easy on my partner as well, Stacia Marianao. She just gave birth to our son, Titus, and she had to hold down the fort while I went to the bootcamp. I know this wasn’t easy for her either.”

GCC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development program secured employer sponsors that have offered successful completers jobs within their companies: Smithbridge Guam, Inc.; Guahan Waste Control, Inc. dba: Mr. Rubbishman; JL Baker & Sons; CTSI Logistics Guam; Ambyth Shipping & Trading, Inc.; Ambros Inc.; and Hawaiian Rock Products.

“Truck driving is very vital to our economy,” said Dr. Mary A.Y. Okada, GCC president. “During the COVID pandemic one of the things we recognized was if we don’t have truckers on the road then the goods aren’t going to get from the Port to where we need them, in the stores. We are thankful to your successful truck driving boot campers for signing up for this and sticking with it. But I really also want to recognize your family and support team for being there for you so you can finish this boot camp.”

“Programs like this really help uplift our entire community. We need you in the workforce. All of these higher education models have a common thread, that common thread is higher education has the ability to uplift our lives and bring opportunity to all of us,” said Sen. Amanda Shelton, committee chairperson for the Committee on Higher Edcuation, 37th Guam Legislature. (GCC)