In an effort to meet the increasing demand for truck drivers in Kentucky, Gateway Community & Technical College is introducing its first-ever evening classes for commercial driver licenses (CDL).
“This is a really exciting opportunity for individuals who are looking to break into the transportation industry,” expressed Ressie Hall, the operations director for workforce solutions at the college. “Our new evening CDL class will allow students to pursue their dreams without disrupting their current daytime obligations. We look forward to helping our students succeed and thrive in their future careers.”
Gateway celebrated the graduation of 1,360 students in May from a wide range of programs, with many earning multiple certifications. The college serves the community through its locations in Boone County, Covington, and Edgewood.
Starting August 26, the inaugural evening CDL classes for Class A licenses will commence, running until October 16. Sessions will be held from Monday to Thursday, between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Gateway’s Transportation and Technology Center located in Fort Wright, which also provides automotive and diesel technology training.
The cost for the CDL course is $4,500, encompassing a U.S. Department of Transportation physical, drug screening, and an online entry-level driver training theory course. Financial assistance can be sought through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, with additional support potentially available through the Kentucky Career Center for those who qualify.
With limited seats available, enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, and the registration deadline is August 5. This course welcomes both individuals aiming for a career in truck driving and businesses looking to train their staff.
Prospective students must meet certain prerequisites, including the ability to read and write English, a minimum age of 18, a valid Kentucky driver’s license, adherence to federal DOT physical standards, and either U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or non-domicile residency with work authorization.
Key deadlines on August 26 require students to complete their online ELDT theory course and obtain a Kentucky CDL learner’s permit before the start of classes. The four-week course will commence twice each month, except for December, and is designed for those with minimal to no commercial driving experience.
Kentucky employs nearly 84,000 heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers, with an average yearly salary of $37,735.
The state has been proactive in encouraging more individuals to consider careers in truck driving. Last year, Governor Andy Beshear enacted legislation simplifying the process for attracting truck drivers to Kentucky. CDL applicants with a nonresident operator’s license and a commercial driver instruction permit can now take the CDL skills test within the state.
Source: Transport Topics
