Work and Learn

What is Commercial Driver's License Training?

Our Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program is designed to prepare individuals with little or no commercial driving experience for an entry-level position in the trucking industry. Our focus is on developing safe, responsible drivers. The training course can be completed in four weeks by attending full-time, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Classes begin about every five weeks (a tentative program schedule can be found below). 

Our training course includes everything you will need. The benefits include:

Department of Transportation (DOT) Physical/Drug Screen
Classroom, range and road instruction led by credentialed experienced trucking professionals
CDL Learners Permit will be earned while in class. Already having your permit does not exempt you from class time. 
Map reading, trip planning, and vehicle operation training
Kentucky CDL manual; DOT rules, regulations and log books
Class A road test administered by Kentucky State Police upon class completion
Certificate of completion and job placement assistance
Entry Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is not required, however you must:

Be able to read and write the English language
Be at least 18 years old for intrastate license *
Be at least 21 years old for interstate license
Be able to meet the Federal DOT physical requirements
Have a valid Kentucky driver's license **
* You may be accepted into the training course if you are 18 and over, but limited job placement assistance is available if you are under the age of 21.

** Please note: Students with a driver's license from outside of Kentucky should plan to enroll at least 30 days before their class begins to minimize license transfer charges.

Some felonies will disqualify you from obtaining your CDL. It is important to check with a Driver Licensing Regional Office on restrictions in Kentucky. 

Costs and Fees

160 Hour Tractor/Trailer Driver Training
$4,200 tuition effective Sept. 1, 2021. This includes DOT physical, drug screen, CDL manual, classroom and road training. Tuition does not include these student fees to the Driver Licensing Regional Office: CDL application $24, permit $11, skills testing $50, original CDL $45 (total $130) OR road/skills retesting fee to Kentucky State Police: $52.50
Tuition to be paid in full before the first day of class
Acceptable payment methods: cash, money order, credit card, bank check (no personal checks)
 

The Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship will sometimes pay $1,140 and students are responsible for the balance of $3,060. 
Veterans’ benefits will usually pay some or all the fees for this course. If you are a veteran, please contact john.bristow@kctcs.edu to inquire about the GI benefits process. 
There are opportunities for program sponsorship through local trucking companies. Please contact us for more information. 
Full refunds will be granted if the class is cancelled by OCTC or the student officially withdraws before the first day of class. Partial refunds may be granted if requested in writing by the end of the second day of class or if the student does not pass DOT physical or drug test. No refunds will be granted if requested after the second day of class or if the student is dismissed for violating the class code of conduct. Non-attendance does not relieve the student of financial obligation or entitle the student to a refund.

Tentative 2023 Program Schedule

Training is scheduled around holidays and interruptions caused by weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

February 13 – March 6

March 20 – April 14

May 1 – May 26

June 5 – June 30

July 10 – August 4

August 14 – September 8 

September 18 – October 13

October 23 – November 17

You may register at any time; however, class size is limited. Enrollments are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact Amee Payne to determine if there is space available in the class you want to attend. 

Questions? Contact Us!
Amee Payne, Success Coach & Employer Liaison 
Office: Downtown Campus, Room 4
Phone: 270-686-3786
Email: amee.payne@kctcs.edu

 

 

What is GO FAME?

GO FAME, the Greater Owensboro Chapter of KY FAME, is pleased to announce a new opportunity for those wanting to earn a great career and a college degree at the same time and with little or no college debt! KY FAME (Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) is based on the nationally recognized Toyota Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) and Computerized Manufacturing and Machining (CMM) program. This work and earn model allows participating students to earn an industry recognized degree while gaining valuable work experience in a manufacturing company.

Interested GO FAME applicants must be high school graduates (or equivalency) and be willing to participate in the programs 40 hour per week, apprenticeship-style format. If selected, you will attend college two days a week while working three days a week at your sponsoring company. In as little as 18 months (5 semesters), you can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree. Plus, with the practical skills you gain during your paid work experience, you may get a full-time job with your sponsoring company. Or, you may decide to further your technical education to obtain a bachelors degree.

How does the GO FAME program work?

The GO FAME program blends classroom instruction with onsite work experience at the manufacturing facility of a sponsoring company. Classes will be offered at Owensboro Community and Technical Colleges Main Campus in Owensboro. As a student of the GO FAME program, you agree to:

Attend two full days of classroom instruction per week
Maintain a C or higher average in all classes to remain eligible
Work three days a week earning a wage set by your sponsoring company.

Who gets selected for GO FAME?

Along with the admission application, company personnel may review and select potential students on the following criteria:

Academic Success: measured through grades and class rank.
Math Capability: measured through test scores such as ACT, COMPASS, etc.
Drug Free: commitment to remaining absolutely drug free.

For more information or to apply to the GO FAME program, please contact katie.vincent@kctcs.edu or call 270-686-4444

What is Tech X?

TECHNICAL TRAINING:

• HANDS-ON
• SHORT TERM
• DAY OR EVENING
• GEARED TO ADULT  LEARNERS
• MULTIPLE CAREER PATHS
• FINANCIAL AID AND JOB PLACEMENT ADVISEMENT

OCTC's Tech X initiative is a multi-craft technologist program that offers hands-on training in a real-world, industrial environment. Tech X is short for “Tech eXpress” as this program can be completed in 7 to 9 months. 

Multi-Craft Technologists will be preparing for a journey into life-long learning and adjusting as technology changes. Foundations in Robotics, Machine Tool, Welding, Fabrication and Material Handling will be progressive and participating students will earn a Gas Welder Certificate, Arc Cutter Certificate, Production Line Welder Certificate and a Forklift Operators Certificate upon completion of the coursework.

Two tracks are offered that provide flexibility for a variety of non-traditional, time-challenged adults. The daytime option will allow students to attend classes eight hours per day, three days per week for a seven-month period. The evening option will allow students to attend classes four hours per evening, four nights per week for a nine-month period.

Students will also receive concierge-like services from a Career Navigator/Success Coach who will counsel them about financial aid and job placement options available to them.

For more information about OCTC's Tech X, please contact project director, Amee Payne by email amee.payne@kctcs.edu or call: 270-686-3786

What is Go Careers?

GO Careers focuses on non-manufacturing careers in Business.

Interested GO Careers applicants must be high school graduates (or equivalency) and be willing to participate in the programs 40 hour per week, apprenticeship-style format. If selected, you will attend college two days a week while working three days a week at your sponsoring company. In as little as 18 months (5 semesters), you can earn an Associates degree. Plus, with the practical skills you gain during your paid work experience, you may get a full-time job with your sponsoring company. Or, you may decide to further your business or health education to obtain a bachelors degree.

How does the GO Careers program work?

The GO Careers program blends classroom instruction with onsite work experience at the business or health facility of a sponsoring company. Classes will be offered at Owensboro Community and Technical Colleges Main Campus in Owensboro. As a student of the GO CAREERS program, you agree to:

Attend two full days of classroom instruction per week
Maintain a C or higher average in all classes to remain eligible
Work three days a week earning a wage set by your sponsoring company.

Who gets selected for GO CAREERS?

Along with the admission application, company personnel may review and select potential students on the following criteria:

Academic Success: measured through grades and class rank.
Math Capability: measured through test scores such as ACT, COMPASS, etc.
Drug Free: commitment to remaining absolutely drug free.

For more information or to apply to the GO CAREERS program, please contact katie.vincent@kctcs.edu or call 270-686-4444.

The IBEW Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee has requested that OCTC Workforce Solutions provide training to its apprentices preparing for the Journeyman Electrical state license. This training is comprised of five years of technical studies and on-the-job training. Workforce Solutions provides the technical training components which will prepare participants for high wage, competitive careers, while supporting the economic viability of the IBEW employer member affiliates - electrical contractors, public utilities, electrical equipment services, cable television and related telecommunication entities.

For more information about how your company or union can participate in an apprenticeship program,  call 270-686-4444