BCTC Workforce Solutions Partners with Kentucky Career Center for CDL Program in Estill County

A national truck driver shortage accelerated a small community’s success and provided three Estill County residents with a unique opportunity.

Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) Workforce Solutions is partnering with the Kentucky Career Center in Estill County, Kentucky, to offer the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program.

Estill County, Kentucky, home to a population around 14,000, is known for its historic charm, beautiful scenery, and tight-knit community. When discussions of expanding BCTC’s CDL Program started, the community came together for support.

“It’s one of 17 counties, and we felt like it was underserved. We wanted to allow the students to be able to access this training in their hometown without traveling, you know, five days a week to Lexington. We came up with an agreement and a cost, and we fully funded their four-week CDL training,” said Jennifer Hayes, Project Director of Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) for Kentucky Career Center. Hayes has been at the forefront of the development, working to increase accessibility within the county. BCTC’s instructors travel to Estill for onsite training during the four-week program.

BCTC’s CDL program offers comprehensive training to help students prepare for entry-level employment in the trucking industry. The course emphasizes both safety and professional skills, ensuring students are well-equipped to meet the demands of this high-demand field. Training includes:

• Classroom instruction focused on regulations, safety, and industry standards.

• Hands-on practice with truck driving and maneuvering.

• Preparation for the CDL exam.

WIOA partnered with BCTC’s Workforce Solutions to cover tuition, providing greater accessibility for Estill County residents. BCTC Workforce Solutions partners with businesses and industries to customize classes and programs that meet workforce needs, ensuring students have the tools and confidence to enter the workforce successfully.

The first students to earn their licenses were Stephen Fox, Nathaniel Watson, and Garret Rawlins. The three students worked with instructors for four weeks, practicing and preparing for their new adventure ahead. The CDL program prepares students for lucrative job opportunities in the trucking industry, which continues to grow due to a national driver shortage. After receiving the green light to move forward with the program, a final hurdle was finding a location for students to practice driving. Local businesses, including The Kentucky Steam Heritage Museum, stepped in to offer their lot for the program’s use. This collaboration allowed for a dedicated space where students could perfect their skills.

Executive Judge Donnie Watson worked closely with local businesses to ensure there was adequate space for the program. “Bringing the Workforce Solutions CDL Program directly to Estill County was a game changer as it eliminated transportation barriers to the program,” Watson stated. The support from the Estill County community was integral in making the program a success. Local organizations and businesses rallied behind it, offering time, space, and resources. This united effort has led to a valuable program that is set to continue benefiting residents for years to come. The success of the program has not only provided graduates with the necessary skills to enter the trucking industry but has also contributed to the local economy by equipping workers with well-paying jobs in an in-demand field.

With a national shortage of truck drivers, the program is also contributing to addressing the industry’s needs. Graduates are now prepared to meet the rising demand for CDL drivers across Kentucky and beyond, ensuring they are ready to contribute to a growing workforce. Looking ahead, BCTC aims to enhance the CDL program in Estill County, ensuring it remains a valuable resource. The future is bright for Estill County residents who are eager to embark on new career opportunities and continue to contribute to the success of the local community.