“I think many of them are looking for the freedom,” Brown said, including couples who are seeking new careers after children leave home, as well as other professionals.

Rob Behnke, who heads the training program at Appleton, Wisconsin-based Fox Valley Technical College, agreed with Brown, about those seeking new careers, particularly couples.

Behnke said the cadre of students in their 20s is also growing.

Older students seek stability and higher income, while younger ones are attracted by new technology and the prospect of eventually moving from driving to other industry jobs.

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