COVINGTON, Ga. – In a time where the need for qualified, well-trained commercial truck drivers is in high demand, Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) range at Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Newton campus in Covington marked a pivotal moment. Dozens of supporters, partners, students, and industry leaders were in attendance, celebrating the facility and promise of opportunity for many.
Local businesses, community partners, GPTC students and staff, and government agencies came together to support the project, recognizing the urgent need for trained drivers in our region – more specifically along the heavily traveled I-20 corridor. The establishment of this Georgia Department of Driver Services-certified CDL range is timely and essential. Additionally, Georgia Piedmont’s Regional Transportation Training Center in Stonecrest is expected to open sometime in Spring of 2025; it will be the largest facility of its kind in the Southeast.
Representatives from GPTC, the Technical College System of Georgia and even the federal government spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of workforce development in our economy.
“Investing in a high-demand industry like commercial truck driving is paramount to the future success of our community,” said GPTC president Dr. Tavarez Holston. “Today’s ceremony marks one component of our college’s vision to become the region’s premier CDL training provider.”
Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia Greg Dozier addressed the importance of colleges providing students with education and training that will follow them anywhere.
“Our mission is providing training for the global workforce,” Dozier said. “Our students leave their programs ready to work anywhere – with the tools and hands-on experience they need to be successful.”
Congressman and trucking company owner Mike Collins of Georgia’s 10th District felt a personal connection to this project and sees firsthand how vital it is for truck drivers to be properly trained and educated.
“This industry is changing every day,” Rep. Collins said, primarily speaking to the CDL students in attendance. “You all are responsible for safely getting from point A to point B. You are the face of your organization and are charged with keeping current on trends and being able to make split-second decisions on the road. And know that if you continue on this path, you’ll find yourself in a rewarding, financially lucrative, long-term career to provide for you and your family.”
At the heart of the ceremony were the future drivers – the students. Having access to a dedicated CDL range means students can get driving experience in a safe and controlled environment. Mother and son CDL students Latoya Francis and Terelle Richards even stepped up to the podium to thank their instructors and Georgia Piedmont as a whole.
“I am confident we are prepared to get on the road,” Francis said. “This has been a tough program, but our teachers made sure we are ready to start this next chapter.”
Richards had just passed his licensure test, and Francis was on tap to pass hers with -as her instructor said – “flying colors.”
The Newton CDL range and future RTTC are more than just training sites; they represent a strategic response to the ongoing driver shortage that has impacted various sectors, from transportation to retail. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the mean salary for truck drivers in Georgia is almost $56,000 per year; many GPTC graduates earn more than that starting out.
Besides the paycheck, the odds of getting hired are extremely good; Rep. Collins says the shortage of drivers is well in the six-figure range. Once both facilities are complete, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is on track to train more than 500 drivers a year with hopes to increase that number in the future.
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