Penn Commercial expands CDL training as demand for truck drivers grows
As demand for truck drivers grows across Pennsylvania, Penn Commercial Business/Technical School is expanding its commercial driver’s license training program to help more residents enter the workforce with family-sustaining careers.
Located in Washington, Pa., the CDL training program offers a five-week day, seven-week evening, or 11-week weekend track, blending classroom instruction with hands-on driving practice. Students learn on manual transmission trucks, practicing on Penn Commercial’s skills pad and public roads before taking a test to ensure they are prepared to pass Pennsylvania’s CDL exam and step directly into the workforce.
The expansion includes accepting more students from Westmoreland County while continuing to welcome applicants from across southwestern Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. The trucking industry is experiencing a persistent driver shortage, with the American Trucking Associations projecting a need for nearly 1.2 million new drivers nationwide over the next decade.
“There’s a real opportunity for people looking to make a change and start a career that’s stable and in high demand,” said Bob Bazant, president of Penn Commercial. “We’re committed to helping people in our region build a better future for themselves and their families.”
Penn Commercial’s CDL program meets Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. It is a third-party testing site approved by PennDOT, allowing students to complete training and testing at the same facility. Graduates also receive job placement support and connections to employers across the region.
Truck driving offers one of the most accessible paths into a skilled trade career, with many graduates moving into jobs with competitive wages soon after earning their certification.
“There’s something really rewarding about seeing students go from day one — many who’ve never been inside a big rig — to graduating with a CDL and getting that first job offer,” said Nathan Bazant, CDL admissions representative at Penn Commercial. “We’re excited to help more students take that step toward a stable career.”
Penn Commercial offers weekday, evening, and weekend options to help students fit training into their schedules. Instructors emphasize safety, pre-trip inspections, defensive driving, and air brake operations to ensure graduates are ready to operate commercial vehicles with confidence.
“For many of our students, it’s about more than just a paycheck,” Nathan Bazant said. “It’s about providing for their families and building a life where they can take pride in the work they do.”
Penn Commercial Business / Technical School has served southwestern Pennsylvania for over 95 years, offering programs in skilled trades, healthcare, spa and salon, technology, and commercial driving.
Those interested in starting a CDL training program can learn more or request program information by visiting penncommercial.edu or calling 724-263-7188.
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