After completing a 6- week course at an area college.

As part of our new series "skilled to work" w-t-v-a's kayla thompson takes through the paces of becoming a professional truck driver.

Stand up: " i was incarcerated for a very long time."

- christopher coleman graduating student after 21 years in prison...christopher coleman now has the opportunity to see the world and fulfill his life long dream of becoming a truck driver... "it's one of my greatest accomplishments."

(nat pop trucks moving) for sandra carter...this is something she wanted to do as a child but her life took a different turn... "at an early age i thought i wanted to drive trucks, but i got married and had children."

-sandra carter beginning student now determined to live life for her...sandra has enrolled in class "a" cdl training courses at northeast mississippi community college, and is prepared for what lies ahead for the next 6 weeks... "i'm not sure of the process...i just know i'm ready."

- sandra carter beginning student monday through friday from 8 to 5... aspiring drivers learn about safety precautions... (nat pop of teacher) the rules of weigh stations...and expectations... ( nat pop teacher) students also get to simulate driving an 18wheeler before it's time to get behind the wheel... stand up bridge: after learning what it takes to become certified, i felt like it was my time to take the road... (nats of me driving and being coached) this is the best way for many people like jonathan wilhite to provide for his or her family... "i lost my job a few years ago and we had some hard times.

I told my wife that i want to make sure that what i do now never puts us in that position again, you know i always want to have a job."

As for coleman he's excited to begin his career... "i start my career tomorrow...yeah (emotional pause)" - christopher coleman graduating student reporting in booneville, kt wtva 9 news... (horn blowing) tuition is 1500 dollars for the courses... for more information on how you can apply...head over to w-t-v-a dot com... a beautiful