Following the announced closure of the USG plant in Southard, Central Tech's Truck Driver Training program is preparing to help affected employees take the next step toward a new career. Working alongside CareerTech partners across Oklahoma, Central Tech is expanding training capacity to meet anticipated demand and connect workers with opportunities in one of the state's most in-demand industries.
Truck drivers continue to be needed across Oklahoma and the nation, creating a pathway for workers looking to quickly transition into a new career. Central Tech's Truck Driver Training program provides hands-on instruction that prepares students to earn their commercial driver license and enter the workforce with the skills employers are seeking.
"When jobs are lost, our focus is helping people find their next opportunity," said John Thorpre, Director of Truck Driver Training. "The strength of Oklahoma's CareerTech system allows us to respond quickly when communities face challenges. We're ready to help affected workers gain valuable skills, earn their Class A CDL, and get back to work."
To increase access to training, Central Tech is working with partners at Northwest Technology Center, Chisholm Trail Technology Center, Autry Technology Center, and High Plains Technology Center. Those partnerships, along with training locations across the state, allow the program to serve students where they are while maintaining the high standards of instruction and safety that have made the program successful.
In total, Central Tech's Truck Driver Training program is available at 18 locations statewide. The program's flexibility allows students to begin training close to home while preparing for careers that offer strong earning potential and long-term stability.
Graduates of the program earn an average first-year wage of approximately $61,000, making truck driving an attractive option for individuals looking to enter a new field quickly and confidently. Workers affected by the USG closure may also qualify for financial assistance and other funding opportunities to help cover the cost of training. Central Tech staff are available to discuss available options and help individuals determine the pathway that best fits their goals.