International Education Corporation (IEC), an Irvine-based provider of short-term training programs, has acquired The Sage Corp., which operates one of the largest truck driving schools in the nation.Sage, which is based in Camp Hill, Penn., was founded in 1989 and has been led by President Chris Thropp for the past 15 years. SAGE now operates 22 campuses in 12 states.
“We’re in this for the long haul,” IEC Chief Executive Dr. Fardad Fateri said in a statement. “The surging demand for truck driver training programs amidst a national shortage of drivers has created an environment where there is significant demand for the work performed by SAGE.”
A record 80,000 additional truck drivers are currently needed to meet the nation’s freight demands according to the American Trucking Association, with the driver shortage expected to surpass 160,000 in a decade.
Founded in 1982, IEC offers short-term training programs in high-demand verticals such as healthcare, skilled trades, technology and criminal justice. It is the parent company for Florida Career College, United Education Institute (UEI), UEI College and U.S. Colleges.
