Pennsylvania College of Technology students operate machinery at the institution’s Heavy Construction Equipment Training Operations Site in Brady Township. Heavy equipment and diesel truck students are among those who can benefit from a $483,100 grant from the PennDOT Career and Technical Education Program. The grant is facilitating the development of a comprehensive commercial driver’s license training, testing and credential attainment pathway at the college.
Pennsylvania College of Technology is addressing a statewide shortage of commercial drivers and diesel technicians with the aid of a $483,100 grant from the PennDOT Career and Technical Education Program.
The grant facilitates the development of a comprehensive commercial driver’s license training, testing and credential attainment pathway at the college.
“We greatly appreciate PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Department of Education for recognizing our capacity to support statewide workforce priorities,” said Penn College President Michael J. Reed. “Providing the CDL pathway for both degree-seeking students and incumbent workers will directly impact high-demand transportation occupations throughout the commonwealth. The grant reflects Penn College’s well-earned reputation for responding to the needs of industry.”
The college currently offers a CDL prep course – focusing on theory instruction – for heavy equipment and diesel truck students. Thanks to the grant, the college is developing a second course that will provide the required driving hours to be eligible to obtain a Class A CDL.
According to John A. Pecchia, assistant dean of diesel technology and natural resources and the lead grant investigator, the college is in the process of applying to become a PennDOT-approved third-party CDL skills testing location. Once approved, students in the new driving course will be able to obtain their Class A CDL as part of the class.
“The credential is important because a truck technician cannot inspect a heavy truck if they can’t drive it, and they cannot drive it without a CDL. Thus, truck students will be better prepared for industry,” said Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies. “Similarly for heavy equipment operation and technician students, getting their CDL by the time they graduate will enhance their employability. It’s very common for technicians to transport equipment from job site to job site. Having the CDL will allow them to do so immediately upon entering the workforce.”
Penn College Workforce Development will conduct the CDL training for incumbent workers.
“We are grateful to receive this grant from the PennDOT Career and Technical Education Program. This investment in Penn College will strengthen the state’s transportation workforce and create permanent institutional capacity for CDL training and testing that will serve students, workers and employers for years to come,” said Elizabeth A. Biddle, senior director of grant management.
The grant awarded to Penn College was among $11.8 million delivered to 27 educational institutions in 21 counties throughout the state.
“These grants will help schools start or expand programs to expose students to the trades that will continue building Pennsylvania,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “We’re proud to support the important work that Pennsylvania’s educational institutions do every day to prepare the next generation for whatever career path they choose.”
For information about Penn College degrees related to diesel truck and heavy equipment operations, as well as other majors offered by the School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions & Secondary Partnerships Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
Get Penn College News in your inbox each morning.