The current CDL class at the Winston County Works program includes, from left, Justin Rowe, Danny Crump and Roger Travis. They make up the 4th class to enroll in the CDL training program.
DOUBLE SPRINGS – Roger Travis and Danny Crump each heard from friends and previous completers about the Wallace State CDL (commercial driver’s license) classes being held in Double Springs through the Winston County Works project and wanted to be next in line.
“I’ve worked in landscaping for almost 30 years and my body can’t take it as much anymore. I’ve always wanted to own my own truck and get into the trucking business somehow,” said Travis, 42. “This class was too good of an opportunity to pass up.”
“I’ve always thought this would be a good backup plan if I wanted to venture out from the job I have now,” said Crump, 24. “I’m learning a lot and having a lot of fun.”
Justin Rowe, 28, has worked in the logging industry for multiple years and is using the Wallace State CDL classes to better complement his passion.
“I already own two trucks. I didn’t have my CDL so it’s a good chance to go ahead and jump on it, so I don’t have hire someone all the time to drive the trucks,” Rowe said. “This is a fast course and you take in a lot quickly, but you know what to expect. You know it’s going to be worth it.”
Travis, Crump and Rowe are part of the fourth group of CDL students to navigate through the Winston County Works program. Each class meets for four weeks, allowing the students the opportunity to earn CDL training and certifications.
The Winston County Works program facility is located at Winston County High School in Double Springs and has offered CDL and welding classes and GED classes since its inception last August. The program hopes to add forklift training later this semester.
Ten students were certified in the Winston County Works welding program for the first time in December and a second class is slated to begin on Feb. 20. The welding classes require students to attend classes three nights a week for 10 weeks.
“The Winston County Works program is making a difference around the county. The CDL classes are popular. Our March class is full and our April class is filling up. From our first welding class, we have graduates who have already found great jobs. The welding classes are a little longer than the CDL classes, but the positive results are the same.” said Jamie Blackmon, the Winston County Works Director. “The people who have received the certifications here wouldn’t have had the opportunity otherwise. That’s what we are trying to accomplish.”
Financial assistance is available through the program. If you are interested in enrolling in any upcoming CDL or welding classes, please contact 256.352.7826 or contact Blackmon at 256.352.8461.
“We are easy to find and we can’t thank Winston County High School enough for graciously sharing their campus with us. It’s been a great partnership, and the program has been successful because of the support from the school and local community,” Blackmon said. “This is a strong community. They care about each other and want to see everyone succeed.”
CDL and welding classes are also underway at the Wallace State-Oneonta campus as well as on the main campus in Hanceville.
For more information about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu.
