September 5th 2023.
Willie Jones, the president and CEO of DSC Training Academy, is working to empower Black women in Mississippi by providing them with the tools they need to enter into the transportation industry. Through her truck driving school in Jackson, Jones is offering educational and hands-on training to interested parties.
Public News Service has reported that the demand for truck drivers in Mississippi is higher than in other states as the state heavily relies on trucks to deliver everyday goods. Jones noted that a career in the trucking business offers equitable pay for women drivers.
“Your pay is going to be equal to the men that are out there, so long as you’re able to drive the truck and get the freight from point A to point B,” said Jones. “Our first-year graduates average anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000 a year, and they have opportunities to earn so much more.”
Jones’ academy is going a step further by introducing the “Mississippi Women in Trucking” program. This initiative offers students who are mothers mentorship, mental health assistance, and other resources.
“We’re providing up to 12 months of affordable childcare paid for these women, in addition to transportation assistance and other wraparound services,” said Jones.
In addition to the program, Mississippi offers workforce training dollars for women who want to pursue jobs that will increase their wages. Through the DSC Training Academy, which was established in 2000 and has locations in Greenville, Tupelo, and Jackson, those who graduate are well-prepared to thrive in the transportation market.
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