WATERLOO - Jason Manning had nearly 13 years of service and Jesse Bentley almost 11 when they were laid off in December from Eagle Ottawa tannery.

So in January, both enrolled in the truck and transportation training program at Hawkeye Community College, which has more students attending than a year ago.

Two-year schools across the nation are reporting unprecedented enrollment increases this semester, driven in part by laid-off older workers as economic problems deepen.

Final figures aren't in for this semester, but the American Association of Community Colleges says the average increase from spring-to-spring is dramatic. The figure is 20 percent in Maine and South Carolina. One school in Idaho has more than twice the number of students this spring over last.

No figures are available for Iowa, which does not collect spring community college enrollment numbers. Hawkeye reported its enrollment grew from 5,562 last spring to 5,795 currently. That is also 30 students higher than the college's fall 2008 enrollment.

Hawkeye officials noted laid-off workers at the tannery and other businesses like Traer Manufacturing and Viking Pump are contributing to the increase. Another factor is the addition of engineering classes at the college in partnership with area high schools. "I don't think it's any one thing," said Dave Ball, the college's director of admissions and student life.

Eagle Ottawa announced in September that more than 100 employees would be laid off as it moved the tannery operation to Mexico. Manning, 41, and Bentley, 43, attended a meeting at Hawkeye about funding available through the Trade Adjustment Act to train for a new job. Their 16-week truck driver training is being paid for with that money.

"TAA, Trade Adjustment Act, comes into effect whenever a company closes or significantly reduces the work force because they are moving production out of the country," said Jeanie Wright, associate director for Hawkeye Community College's Iowa At Work. The program will pay 100 percent of the cost for tuition and required books.

"It may pay transportation depending on miles from school," said Wright. "And it has a built-in income support so that maybe after your unemployment benefits run out, TAA will continue to provide you the same amount your unemployment check may have while you finish school." She noted that the funding is available over about two years, so it's not intended for those earning a bachelor's degree.

Manning and Bentley are among 23 students enrolled in truck driver training this session.

"This is actually the largest class Hawkeye's ever had in the truck driving school," said HCC instructor Marty Kroenecke. "That's where the increase is coming from, is those people who have been laid off and are looking for another career."

A career in truck driving appears to be a good choice. Kroenecke said truckers were in short supply before the economic downturn and remain in demand now with the construction industry starting to gear up as spring nears.

"That's one of the benefits of the transportation industry," he said. In addition, the recently passed economic stimulus bill should "do noting but enhance opportunities for truck drivers."

Kathy Flynn, HCC's vice president of institutional advancement, said the increased enrollment combined with the 1.5 percent across-the-board state aid cut announced in December has not led to a waiting list for students. Gov. Chet Culver has proposed another 6.5 percent cut in his budget for next year.

"It's difficult to comment on all of that right now, because the (legislative) session isn't over yet," said Flynn. "At this point in time we're reviewing all college services and programs. We'll have to look at state aid, we'll have to look at the federal stimulus projects. We have several unknowns."

Even as they spend days behind the wheel honing their driving skills, Manning and Bentley are thinking about their new careers.

"I prefer to drive snow plow, cement truck - that's my goal, or even passenger bus," said Manning.

Bentley wants to drive a dump truck. "I'd like to go on the road, eventually," he added, to drive a semi. "Something I'll have to discuss with the wife."

Another truck driving class beginning March 2 already has eight students enrolled, with more coming through the work force development office.

"We're going to have a busy spring," said Kroenecke.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Contact Andrew Wind at (319) 291-1507 or andrew.wind@wcfcourier.com.