Somerset Community College launches new CDL program in Clinton County

Published on Jul 17, 2025

Somerset Community College (SCC) is excited to announce the launch of a new Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program at SCC’s Clinton Center, set to begin classes this October. This initiative fills a gap in the Clinton County community, providing residents with direct access to essential training and career opportunities in the trucking industry.

In as little as four weeks, participants will be equipped to hit the road and start earning competitive wages. Recent graduate Alex Beaty, a 23-year-old from Clinton County, emphasizes the importance of this new program for the community. “I wish this opportunity was available while I was training. I drove from Clinton to the Somerset Campus daily to get my CDL credentials,” Beaty shared.

Beaty’s dedication has already paid off; shortly after completing the program, he secured a position with Neat Companies, a well-respected organization in the industry. CDL industry expert and Neat Companies representative, Scotty Lynn, highlights how the SCC program facilitates immediate workforce entry. “The CDL industry offers a pathway to great earning potential with short, intensive classes. Many companies actively recruit from the classroom, making job placement seamless.”

Lynn praises SCC’s commitment to student success, having recruited several quality truck drivers who have completed the program. He noted, “We recently welcomed Alex Beaty from Albany, a standout hire who demonstrated a strong willingness to learn and excel in his role.”

Reflecting on his experience at SCC, Beaty encourages others to consider pursuing a CDL. “This is a life-changing career opportunity. It’s worth every penny you invest in your education,” he said. “Once you’re out there making money, you’ll be glad you took the leap.” Beaty also mentioned the challenges faced during training, adding a light-hearted tip: “Don’t quit on a Friday. Quit on a Monday so you have the weekend to regroup. You’ll always come back ready to learn more.”

SCC enjoys strong partnerships with various companies within the region that actively recruit graduates for employment. “We are committed to fostering our relationship with SCC and look forward to regularly visiting the SCC Clinton Center to help the community secure promising careers for years to come,” said Lynn.

For those interested in the new CDL program, please reach out to the SCC Clinton Center Director, Jill Lawson at (606)-387-3704 or jill.lawson@kctcs.edu, or contact the SCC Career & Technical Division Administrative Assistant, Lori Carrender at lcarrender0004@kctcs.edu or (606) 677-8328. Don’t miss this opportunity to jumpstart your career in the thriving trucking industry!