Central Tech Expands Class A CDL Truck Driver Training to Ardmore and Durant

Central Technology Center is expanding its Class A CDL Truck Driver Training program through new partnerships with Kiamichi Tech in Durant and Southern Tech in Ardmore. The collaboration brings one of the state’s most established training programs to more communities and supports the growing need for skilled truck drivers. 

As the statewide provider for Oklahoma CareerTech’s Truck Driver Training, Central Tech delivers Class A CDL instruction at 17 locations. These new sites in Durant and Ardmore strengthen the CareerTech system’s shared mission: preparing Oklahomans for good jobs and supplying businesses with skilled drivers. 

“Southern Tech is proud to join Central Tech in expanding CDL training to southern Oklahoma,” said Jason Phipps, Southern Tech’s Workforce & Economic Development Director. “Together, we’re creating new opportunities for students and solving real workforce challenges for our region.” 

“Our partnership with Central Tech is a powerful example of how the CareerTech system works together to meet local workforce needs. With state funding tied to this collaboration, we’re able to offer industry-leading truck driver training in Durant and help address the growing demand for CDL-credentialed professionals in Bryan County,” added Shelley Free, Superintendent of Kiamichi Tech. 

Central Tech’s program focuses on producing safe, job-ready drivers. Students train two-per-truck, receive more than 60 hours of behind-the-wheel experience, and complete an additional week of day and night road trips after earning their CDL. The full program is designed to be completed in 28 days, allowing students to transition quickly into high-demand careers. The program maintains a 99% job placement rate, with many graduates starting jobs that can lead to earnings of more than $61,000.  

The partnerships will help: 

• Students access local training and move quickly into stable, good-paying jobs. 

• Businesses hire certified, safety-focused drivers to meet growing demand. 

• Communities strengthen their workforce pipeline and support economic growth. 

“Partnering with Kiamichi Tech and Southern Tech lets us bring life-changing opportunities closer to home,” noted John Thorpe, Central Tech’s Truck Driver Training Director. “We’re here to help people gain skills, earn jobs, and support Oklahoma’s economy.”