The BSC Commercial Driver’s License program has expanded job opportunities for student Michael Batts.
HITTING THE ROAD
WITH A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE By Kamryn Hellman After just three weeks in Bismarck State College’s new Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program, Michael Batts was ready to take his road test and obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License. “I was employed in the earth works industry,” Batts says, noting the need for heavy equipment and machinery to be transported between locations. His time in the CDL program was a career choice. “This was an opportunity to expand my qualifications for the industry.” The CDL program is one of the latest certificate programs introduced as part of BSC’s new polytechnic mission. "It is a shortterm training program that leads to a highdemand, high-wage career path," says BSC Dean of Continuing Education Sara Vollmer. 19
The CDL license can lead to a job in the trucking industry or supplement career paths such as electrical lineworkers, energy technicians and construction workers. “There are more job openings in North Dakota than there are people to fill those jobs,” Vollmer says. Batts was the first student to receive his CDL after completing the program at BSC, and he has already been offered several new career opportunities with several respected transport companies. He says that completing BSC’s program has vastly improved his work opportunities, from entry-level jobs to more advanced positions with salaries of up to $65k. Courses begin with truck driving safety, techniques and North Dakota driving laws. Then students use an advanced driving
