DEXTER, Maine - Wood products and timberlands giant Weyerhaeuser is teaming up with a Maine technical center to build upon a commercial driver's license training program.

 

Tri-County Technical Center in Dexter, Maine will train high school junior and senior students how to load and drive logging trucks. Students - a maximum of 10 to start - will have the opportunity to either intern with a company during summer months or be selected for an apprenticeship opportunity leading to full-time employment, reports Mainebiz. 

 

Maine is the only state in the country that trains and licenses students under 18.

 

Weyerhaeuser is funding the program because of an overall driver shortage, say program runners. A logging truck driving instructor is being searched for. 

 

The program could begin as early as November.