Diesel Technology / Commercial Truck Driving
This week’s episode of the Bank First Ranger Hour highlighted Northwest Mississippi Community College’s growing workforce and career-technical education opportunities, featuring an in-depth conversation with Brad Rowe, Director of Diesel Technology at Northwest’s Concourse in Batesville. Rowe shared how the Diesel Technology program has expanded dramatically over the past five years—from 12 students and one truck to nearly 100 students across two sections with three instructors. He discussed the critical importance of the trucking and diesel industries, the partnership with Kubota, internship opportunities paying up to $26 an hour, and the impressive job placement and earning potential for graduates, with some former students earning more than $35-$47 an hour shortly after graduation. The episode also explored how students can get involved in the program and the wide variety of career pathways available in diesel technology.
Kelsey Baker returned to the program to discuss Northwest’s Commercial Truck Driving Program and broader Career-Technical Education updates. Baker explained how the CDL program has expanded from a single location in Olive Branch to now include cohorts at the Concourse in Batesville, offering hands-on driving instruction, hazmat preparation, and strong workforce partnerships that help place graduates into jobs. She outlined the admissions process, including permit requirements, DOT physicals, and financial aid options, while also introducing Northwest’s new CDL permit prep course designed to help students succeed before entering the program. Baker also shared updates on Northwest’s growing career-tech offerings, including the launch of a new Construction Management program in Senatobia and continued success with Commercial Electrical Technology.
The episode also included updates on Northwest athletics and entertainment, including the hiring of Justin Mann as the Rangers’ new men’s basketball coach and previews of upcoming performances at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, featuring acts such as Bill Engvall, Danny Gokey, The Four Tops, Lone Star, and the return of The Music Man. Listeners also heard details about Northwest’s continued investment in workforce development through programs designed to prepare students for immediate, high-demand careers across North Mississippi.
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