The Vicksburg Warren School District has purchased new CDL simulators to expand career training opportunities for students at Vicksburg High School, Warren Central High School, and River City Early College.
The simulators are part of a semester-long course designed to introduce students to hands-on training and provide a realistic experience of what it feels like to operate an 18-wheeler. Through the program, students gain early exposure to commercial driving concepts while learning about the skills and responsibilities required in the industry.
The district has purchased two simulators, which are housed at Vicksburg High School and overseen by CDL instructor Cleveland Allison. Allison says the program is designed to help students understand what a Commercial Driver’s License is and the wide range of career pathways it can open.
“This program is a roadmap to getting students to understand what a CDL is,” Allison said. “It’s a pathway to over-the-road trucking, hotshot driving, buses, vans, and other commercial vehicles. There are also alignment classes with railroads, and so many different areas students may not realize are connected to CDL training.”
The simulators enable students to safely experience real-world driving scenarios, building confidence and foundational knowledge before entering advanced training or certification programs. District leaders say the initiative supports workforce development by preparing students for high-demand careers in transportation and logistics.
The project was launched through the Vicksburg Warren School District’s Department of Innovation, led by Derrick Reed. District officials say the program reflects an ongoing commitment to providing students with forward-thinking educational opportunities that align classroom learning with real-world career readiness.
Through the CDL simulator program, VWSD aims to equip students with practical skills, broaden their awareness of career options, and help prepare them for a successful future in the commercial driving industry and beyond.