Big rigs donated to East Valley Institute of Technology

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - For the East Valley Institute of Technology, the donation of several diesel trucks were huge by contributing to a growing industry that students are excited to be a part of.

Four diesel trucks are now part of the learning experience for dozens and dozens of students.

"Without these, it's hard [for] them to get practical application on a truck," Sean Rasmussun said. "You can study books until you put your hands on these, plug into the computers that we have. For us for Navistar to partner with programs like EVIT around the country, help us grow that next generation is vital."

The donation from Navistar International Corporation comes as EVIT develops a pipeline of technically-skilled workers to contribute to a growing diesel industry and much needed mechanics and drivers.

"The two big things in our industry is driver shortage and technicians," Rasmussun said. "The two biggest demands when I meet with customers and dealers."

The school dedicated to making the dreams of students a reality.

"Being able to see that there are companies coming out to kinda recruit us, kinda gave me the kick start to do this," one student said.

It's all a part of training that shapes them into quality workers, ready to join an industry of high demand.