OWENSBORO, Ky. — Owensboro Community and Technical College will launch a Commercial Driver’s License Academy in October 2021 to help address the driver shortage in our region. Offered through OCTC’s Workforce Solutions division, this regional CDL driving academy is possible through a public partnership with the Owensboro Riverport Authority and will offer both CDL Class A and Class B certification training.
“We are grateful for the ORA partnership as this academy would not be possible without it. More than 70 percent of goods consumed in the U.S. are moved by truck, but the industry needs to hire almost 90,000 more drivers to meet rising demand,” said Mike Rodgers, OCTC’s Chief Institutional Officer. “For America to Keep on Truckin’, it’s critical that we train more CDL drivers for these great job opportunities which include both heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers for long-haul and local deliveries.”
OCTC’s multi-truck and trailer program received funding support from KCTCS-TRAINS, and a generous no-cost lease agreement for the program’s required driving range through the ORA.
“Now more than ever, America’s economy depends on qualified truck drivers to transport freight and keep supply chains moving. It’s particularly true for ORA where our clients depend heavily on their commodities being delivered by truck each and every day,” said Brian Wright, President of ORA. “Our Board of Directors and Team Members are proud to partner with OCTC to grow the next generation of CDL drivers for this region and beyond.”
The CDL Driving Academy will place a heavy emphasis on work and earn sponsorships, apprenticeships, and post-training employer placement along with a full range of free career navigator services.
“The trucking field has traditionally been comprised of male drivers. However, a New American Driver is emerging with individuals of all ages, gender, and ethnicity increasingly hitting the highways,” said Cindy Fiorella, OCTC Vice President of Workforce Solutions. “We encourage anyone seeking a dynamic, high-paying career to contact us to learn more about the wide range of employment within the trucking industry.”
OCTC and ORA, along with the Green River Business Service Team and related workforce development partners, will be hosting a late September employer awareness event designed to highlight the CDL Driving Academy, funding opportunities, and the training and placement options available. Companies interested in CDL certification for new hires or incumbent workers may be eligible for state training funds, which significantly offset training costs.
For more information on the CDL Driving Academy, enroll in an upcoming class, or to learn about potential financial aid and scholarship support, contact Amee Payne at 270-686-3786 or amee.payne@kctcs.edu.