HAZARD, Ky. — Hazard Community and Technical College has received more than half a million dollars from the Appalachian Regional Commission to expand its commercial driver’s license training program.
The money will allow the school to train six classes at its main campus each year and another six classes at its Leslie County campus. That will result in 150 students obtaining their CDLs each year.
“Our administration is committed to strengthening and expanding education across the commonwealth,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “This program is a great opportunity to train Eastern Kentuckians and help them find good jobs in their communities. We are grateful Hazard Community and Technical College will increase its pool of qualified CDL licensees throughout Eastern Kentucky.”
The money will be used to buy two new trucks and trailers and program supplies, and provide salaries for one full-time and four adjunct instructors.
“With the increase of demand within the transportation and logistics industry, the need for licensed commercial truck drivers has increased greatly,” said HCTC President Dr. Jennifer Lindon. “Hazard Community and Technical College is thankful to the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Department for Local Government for ARC grant dollars that will be utilized to expand HCTC’s current commercial driver’s licensing program. These grant dollars will be utilized to purchase additional trucks and hire additional instructors for the programs in Perry and Leslie counties. This short-term, four-week program trains job-seekers, allowing them the opportunity to quickly to return to Kentucky’s workforce.”
