The Clark State College Commercial Transportation Training Center (CTTC) will resume offering a weekend course option to obtain a CDL Class A license in July of this year.
This six-week, 120 hour semi-truck driving training program is tailored for working adults who want to train for a new career as a commercial driver, without leaving their existing job.
“At Clark State’s Commercial Transportation Training Center, our priority is to ensure that our students have every opportunity to train for a new career without adding the strain of supporting a family to the equation,” said Duane Hodge, director of the Clark State Commercial Transportation Training Center. “Class sizes are small, which allows students to progress through the program and master the required skills in a relaxed, non-competitive environment.”
Hodge also said professional drivers are in high demand, and the need for drivers will exceed the supply for many years to come.
“Current projections are indicating an 8 percent increase in job openings in 2022 for Commercial Truck Drivers. Ohio is currently ranked third as a best place to live and work as a truck driver by Zippia.com,” he said. “Zippia currently has over 15,000 open positions for truck drivers in Ohio with an average annual income of $70,000.”
Particularly noteworthy, CTTC is also now a CDL Testing Center for the state of Ohio. Students can now train and test on the same lot, in the same truck they trained in. Program fees include all books, materials, testing and licensing fees.
Financial assistance may be available to individuals who qualify through several sources including Ohio Means Jobs (WIOA), Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (ODOD) and veteran educational programs (VA).
Clark State was recently selected as one of the CDL training centers in the state to be approved for the new Commercial Driver’s License Student Aid Program. Funds were awarded to eligible institutions through a competitive application process and funds disbursed to students will be in the form of a grant and loan. Students receiving funds to complete their CDL must commit to reside and be employed in Ohio for a minimum of one year upon completion of the program to have their loan forgiven.
“This significant increase in funding from the state for this program is particularly noteworthy,” said Hodge. “Students cannot use federal financial aid (Title IV) for CDL training.” Clark State wants to thank the Governor, Chancellor, and the Ohio General Assembly for addressing this critical need and providing this funding to help Ohio students gain access to CDL training.”
Hodge said this grant/loan program will give students access to the Clark State CDL training program, which in turn, leads to a job. The program rewards hard working individuals who have never had or have never defaulted on a previous student loan. Students eligible for the loan must be a resident of Ohio and be accepted into the CDL program. No credit checks are required.
A new session will begin every six weeks starting on July 9, 2022. Classes will be held from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, at our training facility at 325 Tremont City Road in Springfield, Ohio.
Interested students should contact the Commercial Transportation Training Center office at 937.328.6054 to start the application process.
2022-2023 CDL Weekend Class Schedule:
July 9 – August 14, 2022
August 20 – October 2, 2022
October - November 13, 2022
April 1 – May 14, 2023
May 20 – July 9, 2023