MDC Board Members Receive Update on Midland College Transportation Program

In 2023, the Midland Development Corporation Board of Directors approved an agreement that would expand Midland College’s Transportation Training Program. The funds from the MDC were matched by a High Demand Jobs Training Grant through a partnership with the Workforce Solutions of the Permian Basin. The expansion of the program includes a new Peterbilt truck and 20 scholarships for the program.

At the June 3, 2024, MDC Board of Directors meeting, the board heard an update on the program from Midland College as well as two participants of the program. The new truck purchased for the program is being enjoyed by the first class now and over 20 scholarships were disbursed to students to access the program.

Father and son, Andrew Rico Sr. and Andrew Rico Jr. shared with the board during this time about the impact of the program on not just our local economy, but the effect on their own family. Andrew Rico Sr. participated in Midland College’s CDL Training Program in 2010 and has since used his training for a career in the oil and gas industry as a commercial truck driver. Andrew Rico Jr. joined the program this year after seeing his father’s experience in the program and the industry.