April 9th marked the initial training class of perspective commercial drivers license (CDL) drivers at the Private Industry Council (PIC) facility located on Donohoe Road in Greensburg. To support a need for drivers from Stone & Company of Greensburg, PIC created a partnership with the Mon-Valley Career and Technology Center (CTC) and Transport Tech to assign the PIC facility to become a satellite location for the Mon-Valley CTC diploma program.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has designated Logistics and Transportation (L/T) as one of its nine targeted industry clusters for focused workforce development strategies due to projected labor shortages and growth potential in the industry, and the significance of the industry to the state's economy. As such, the PIC, an education and training provider serving Westmoreland and Fayette Counties, has partnered with Transport Tech, a CDL training entity based in Bessemer, PA to deliver the training. Tim Yurcisin, President and CEO of PIC, stated: "Our organization is flexible to meet the needs of employers. When Stone & Company expressed to us that they have an immediate need for drivers, we were able to consummate this partnership to allow Transport Tech to recruit from the Greensburg area."

Currently, Transport Tech operates training facilities in three areas of PA-Bessemer, Brookville, and in the Mon-Valley at the Mon-Valley CTC. The partnership between PIC, Mon-Valley CTC and Transport Tech will allow students to receive CDL training from Transport Tech in the Greensburg area, rather than traveling to one of the other training facilities. Vince Scirotto, the Recruiter for Transport Tech explained: "Should you qualify, we will train you for five weeks, help you get your Class A license, and provide you with job placement with one of the best trucking companies in America. Typical earnings for the first year after training are $35,000 - $45,000 with full benefits. Second year income brings upwards to $50,000-$55,000. Why wait, come and learn to drive America safely."

The curriculum used is the 1st Seat Tractor Trailer Driver Program, a 200 clock hour CDL training curriculum, with 500 additional hours of applied training. Successful completion of the 1st Seat Driver Program results in the acquisition of three certifications: a Class A Commercial Driver's License, a diploma from a licensed school, and the 1st Seat Driver Certification.

The partnership will also strengthen post-secondary education options, resulting in a more successful workforce in the Westmoreland/Fayette area.

For more information on commercial drivers license (CDL) training classes, please contact Vince Scirotto at 724-216-6824 or visit the Transport Tech website at www.gotransporttech.com.