CCC Welcomes Senator Jerry Moran for Commercial Driver’s License Program Visit
Coffeyville, KS – Coffeyville Community College (CCC) welcomed U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) to its Coffeyville Technical Campus on Monday, November 24, for a tour of the College’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program. During the visit, Senator Moran viewed CCC’s CDL trucks and observed a demonstration of the CDL Driving Simulator, with CCC President Dr. Marlon Thornburg taking the wheel to showcase the simulator’s capabilities.
The visit highlights CCC’s dedication to preparing students for careers in the regional trucking industry, which is currently experiencing driver shortages both locally and nationwide. CCC’s CDL program offers a pathway for students to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License in as little as eight weeks, combining classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, and preparation for additional endorsements such as HazMat, passenger, and school bus.
CCC’s program complies with U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, boasting a 100% CDL pass rate for graduates. Director of Workforce Development, Marla Sterling, noted that "CCC's CDL graduates are earning over $50,000 per year as first-year drivers, with industry salaries varying widely based on experience and endorsements."
Senator Moran recently introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at supporting the trucking industry and drivers nationwide:
● The Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act, which would ease regulations for seasonal agricultural drivers by allowing online renewal of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and updating classifications for farm equipment, helping Kansas farmers and producers transport crops and equipment more efficiently during harvest.
● The DRIVE Safe Act (Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act), which would address the nationwide driver shortage by creating a federally approved apprenticeship program allowing CDL holders under the age of 21 to operate commercial vehicles in interstate commerce after completing rigorous safety training and performance benchmarks.
Senator Moran played a key role in helping CCC secure a $673,000 congressionally directed grant in 2023 to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to meet local workforce needs. "We are so fortunate to have Senator Moran's backing to support the addition of plumbing, HVAC, Powersports, and CDL training programs as CCC continues to support area business and industry," said CCC President, Dr. Marlon Thornburg. His visit today reflects his ongoing interest in supporting career training programs that equip Kansans for high-demand fields.
CCC’s CDL program is flexible and accessible, with classes offered during daytime, evenings, and weekends. The program cost for in-state students is approximately $2,180, including tuition, fees, and materials, and financial assistance is available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other community resources. Students complete an eight-week curriculum that includes theory instruction, range skills, and public road instruction, ensuring graduates are fully prepared for a career in truck driving.
Vice President for CTE, Heather Pollet, stated, "This program is successful due to the support of our area industry, who are hiring our graduates and sending their employees to the program for training. The program was started at the request of several area industry leaders, including Thompson Brothers Welding & Industrial Supply, to address their need for qualified drivers to deliver products in the region."
Frequently Asked Questions:
● Theory Instruction: No minimum hours required; students must score at least 80% to pass.
● Range Instruction: Students demonstrate proficiency in skills such as parallel parking, straight-line backing, and offset backing.
● Public Road Instruction: Covers shifting/transmission, communications, visual search, speed and space management, and safe driver behavior.
● CDL Pass Rate: 100% of students who successfully complete the courses have obtained their CDL-A or CDL-B license.
● Earnings: First-year drivers can earn over $50,000; average salary for truck drivers is $97,000 per year.
For more information about Coffeyville Community College’s CDL program, visit www.coffeyville.edu or contact:
● Dora Morris, Coffeyville Technical Campus – 620-252-7501, [email protected] ● Dave Sanford, CDL Instructor – 620-252-7541, [email protected]