GLASGOW, Ky. — Beginning next school year, students in medium- and heavy-duty truck systems at the Barren County Area Technology Center will have access to a new truck simulator, giving them hands-on, real-world experience behind the wheel.

Shawn Gray teaches medium- and heavy-duty truck systems, commonly referred to as diesel systems. He has spent the past 10 years as an instructor after working for many years in the field as a diesel technician.

“Since trucks are expensive and liability reasons, we felt it'd be best to get a simulator to be able to allow the kids to get their experience in a safe environment where we can monitor and properly grade them and get them prepared for their CDLs and CDL permits,” Gray said.

Kentucky allows students to gain experience while still in high school and work toward obtaining a CDL permit. Combined with night classes, students could graduate with their CDL permit already in hand.

A new Virage CDL simulator was installed this week, marking the culmination of a process that began about a year and a half ago. Thanks to a state grant, the Barren County ATC was able to bring in the approximately $125,000 piece of equipment.

“It could be anything from backing up a truck and trailer, mastering how to drive a manual transmission, defensive driving, driving through a city in those tight area, all sort of scenarios,” Gray said.

The simulator will be used as a training aid during the first semester of the course, while the second semester will focus more heavily on hands-on training.

“That allows first semester kids to go over theory and then they can get on the simulator and put it to practice,” Gray said. “If they decide they want to go down the CDL pathway, then we will be more hardcore on it to get them prepared.”

The system is designed to teach students about air systems, controls, pre- and post-trip inspections, and common DOT inspection parameters. It is equipped with four electric actuators that provide responsive movement during simulation modules such as shifting and vibrations.

“It gives a full body experience,” Gray said.

Students like James Sacia of Glasgow High School and William Wray and Ryan England of Barren County High School plan to pursue careers that require a CDL.

“I'm going to end up hauling cattle,” Wray said.

Another initiative gaining momentum is the Section 609 AC Certification course. Jon Scott, the HVAC instructor at the Barren County ATC, is partnering with Gray to teach the course.

After completion, students earn a federal certification that can open the door to an additional two to three dollars an hour in the field, Gray said.

“You have to have this license to legally, by the EPA, to work on any piece of equipment,” he said. “This is a big certification.”