GCVAC investor and partner Hawkeye Community College is hosting an open house for the new $3.5 million truck and transportation training center, which will serve students, businesses, and organizations with their transportation and logistics training needs.  The Center is believed to be unique to the Midwest and the only one of its kind in Iowa.  Attendees can immerse themselves in state-of-the-art technology by test-driving the Driving Simulators or the Skid Monsters driver improvement vehicles.

The Center will allow Hawkeye to meet the emerging needs of a career field that is projected to grow by 21% over the next ten years.  Hawkeye’s Truck Driving program has a 100% placement rate.  Iowa currently has more than 50,000 individuals employed in the transportation industry that requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

The event will take place  Tuesday, October 9, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.  The short program begins at 5:15 p.m at the new Regional Transportation Training Center is located at 6433 Hammond Avenue, Waterloo.

Visitors  will be able to test their skills driving 2-wheels, 4-wheels, or 18-wheels in rain, snow, or ice as they maneuver through a virtual course using a driving simulator.

Also on display will be the Skid Monster teaches students how to safely maneuver around obstacles, drive in dangerous conditions, and properly control a vehicle. It is a fun experience that can help truck drivers, law enforcement officers, and the general public become better drivers.

Refreshments will be served, including burgers and brats.