Moorfield, W.Va. – Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College (Eastern) is excited to announce that it has been awarded a $1 million grant from the United States Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) to expand its Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) workforce training program. This funding will support the enhancement of Eastern’s current CDL Class A offerings and introduce CDL Class B training to meet the growing demand for skilled drivers in the region.
The grant will be used to bolster both instruction and administration for the expanded CDL program, as well as to acquire new Class B vehicles such as a passenger bus and a dump truck. Additionally, the funding will be allocated to purchase CDL Class B simulators, complementing the existing CDL Class A simulators, which are already integral to Eastern’s training curriculum.
Dr. Tom Striplin, president of Eastern, expressed excitement over receiving the highly competitive grant: “We are thrilled to have been selected for this award. Our goal is to provide workforce training and certifications that meet the increasing job demand in trades and industries throughout the region. This expansion of our CDL program complements the $1.4 million earmark we previously received to launch a Heavy Equipment Operator training program.”
The new CDL Class B offerings are expected to launch next year, following the acquisition of equipment and the hiring of staff to support the program. Lauren Arbaugh, Director of Workforce and Continuing Education at Eastern, emphasized the program’s value: “Adding CDL Class B training to our offerings provides a comprehensive solution for individuals seeking certification to drive various types of trucks for both construction and road work. The use of simulators allows students to safely practice their driving skills before hitting the road, enhancing safety and reducing program costs.”
For more information about Eastern’s CDL program, please visit www.easternwv.edu or call toll-free at 877-982-2322.
About Eastern’s Workforce Education Department
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College’s Workforce Education Department, based in Moorefield, offers a variety of affordable short-term training, in-person, hybrid, and online, that allow quick certification and entry into the workforce. Choose from areas such as agriculture, CDL training, healthcare, industrial, and welding.
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