OWENSBORO, Ky. — Owensboro Community and Technical College announced a new a Commercial Driver’s License Academy last month that is set to roll out 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.
OCTC and ORA, along with the Green River Business Service Team and related workforce development partners, are hosting an employer event at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, at OCTC’s Main Campus at 4800 New Hartford Road in Owensboro in the Advanced Technology Center. The event will 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.
“This is really workforce development in action. If your business has a need for drivers this is your opportunity to learn how to maximize your efforts in a cost-efficient manner,” said OCTC President Dr. Scott Williams.
OCTC’s 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 public reaction to the announcement of this program has been terrific. This second step is to ensure that all our workforce development partners know how to take advantage of this opportunity by signing up to sponsor a current employee to enroll, or by joining in the partnership and selecting a student to sponsor” added Katie Vincent, OCTC’s Workforce Solutions Director of Workforce Partnerships.
For more information on the employer event, contact katie.vincent@kctcs.edu or call 270-686-4423. Students interested in OCTC’s CDL Driving Academy, should contact Amee Payne at 270-686-3786 or amee.payne@kctcs.edu.