DURANT, Okla. – Kiamichi Tech proudly announces the successful completion of its first Truck Driver Training class, with five local individuals earning their Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The graduates of the program are John Baxter, Zachary Daniel, Jason Lindsey, Austin Murray and Christian Stewert-Smith. 

“The students in the first CDL class at Kiamichi Tech – Durant didn’t just meet expectations, they set the standard,” said Paul Balkenbush, program instructor at Kiamichi Tech. “Each earned an unrestricted Class A CDL, proving what’s possible when determination meets top-tier facilities, equipment and a powerful partnership with Central Tech Truck Driver Training. As this program grows, the future is bright for aspiring truck drivers in Durant.” 

Kiamichi Tech remains committed to providing high-quality, workforce-focused training programs that lead directly to employment opportunities and economic growth in the region. Truck driving remains one of the most in-demand career fields in Oklahoma and nationwide. Individuals who earn a Class A CDL can expect strong earning potential, with an average first-year salary of approximately $61,000. 

The Truck Driver Training program is offered in partnership with Central Tech, the statewide provider for Oklahoma CareerTech’s truck driver training. This collaboration strengthens instructional resources and expands student support through state-funded initiatives designed to meet Oklahoma’s growing workforce demands. 

“Truck driving is a hands-on career, and this class put in the work every single day,” said John Thorpe, Central Tech's Truck Driver Training Director. “Partnering with Kiamichi Tech has allowed us to expand our reach and train drivers where they’re needed most. We’re proud of these graduates and the skills they’ve built, and we’re excited to see them take the next step into high demand industry jobs.” 

The 28-day intensive program includes classroom instruction, hands-on range driving, and over-the-road training to prepare students for both the written and skills portions of the CDL examination. Graduates leave the program with the technical knowledge, safety training and practical driving experience necessary to enter the trucking industry with confidence. 

For more information and to learn when the next class begins, visit the Truck Driver Training program website.