Fitzgerald, GA— The Ben Hill-Irwin Campus of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has been awarded $742,180 to fund the construction of a Commercial Truck Driving program backing pad. The grant was awarded by the Economic Development Administration (EDA). The competitive process is based on merit, eligibility, and availability of funds. The project work includes the construction of a paved access road to Tech Pointe Drive, which is the nearest street, and a concrete parking pad.
The Commercial Truck Driving program will be able to use the pad for training such as parking skills, backing skills, truck inspections, disconnecting semitrailers, and other skills thanks to the grant. Successful completion of the CDL training will lead to a commercial truck driving license, endorsements, or certifications. “Wiregrass is very excited about this grant allowing the CDL program to come to the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus,” shared Wiregrass President DeAnnia Clements. “We will begin the building process as soon as a construction team is selected following state purchasing guidelines and we look to be able to offer classes soon.”
This program has been needed in the Fitzgerald area and neighboring communities for some time. Executive Director at Fitzgerald - Ben Hill Economic Development Authority Jason Dunn shared, “Adding CDL training at the Ben Hill-Irwin campus will be an invaluable resource for the community and will be producing high-income wage earners as well as addressing the state’s driver shortage. This collaboration with Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has been a high priority in our economic development strategy and we are excited at the opportunities it will provide.” The CDL program is considered short-term training taking approximately eight weeks to complete and qualifies for the HOPE Career Grant to assist with program expenses.
Fitzgerald Mayor Jason Holt added, “Manufacturing is a large part of our workforce in Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County. The goods we produce will not benefit anyone if we are not able to send them out. Likewise, bringing in raw goods for the manufacturing process is vital. The need for CDL drivers is great and constructing this Backing Pad to expand the CDL Program on the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a much-needed addition. This grant award from the EDA will go a long way in helping to provide skilled employees that can address the need for CDL operators in our community.”
The newly elected Mayor of Ocilla Melvin Harper shared this about the grant, “The current market has a high demand for CDL drivers. The Ben Hill-Irwin campus and surrounding areas are thrilled to have this advantageous opportunity to thrive in rural areas such as Ocilla as we're centered in the midst of productive bordered cities. Wiregrass Tech has always fostered growth and economic development through its many technical programs and courses of study that are offered. Having this level of training is unmatched throughout the entire southern region of the state of Georgia. The CDL program will uniquely prepare students who desire an enjoyable lucrative profession as a licensed trained tractor truck driver in just 8 weeks that will meet the demands of customer service delivery both locally and abroad.”
Wiregrass offers the CDL program on the Valdosta and Coffee Campus and both campuses typically have waiting lists for this program. Because of the length of the program, the college runs two cohorts a semester. To learn more about the program visit Wiregrass.edu.
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Image: (WGTC Commercial Truck Driving.jpg) The CDL program is coming soon to the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus thanks to the grant awarded by the Economic Development Administration.
