North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) celebrated a milestone Wednesday with the groundbreaking of a new Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Range at its Blairsville campus. The facility will feature a 77,440-square-foot concrete training pad, complemented by an additional 4,620 square feet of parking, drive-in space, and two full carousels. This expanded range will serve students in both the CDL and Electrical Line Worker programs.

The $4.7 million project is funded through the state budget, which covers construction costs as well as new equipment to enhance the academic programs offered.

“The CDL and Electrical Lineworker programs can be completed in as little as eight weeks and provide an opportunity for our students and their families to have a better life,” said NGTC Vice President of Academic Affairs Stephanie Benson during the ceremony. “The expansion of the Blairsville Campus CDL program will result in training for over 100 graduates annually and help meet the critical needs of local and regional employers.”

The groundbreaking ceremony drew a strong turnout, including members of the state legislature, the NGTC Board of Directors, Foundation Board Members, and college leadership and staff.

“This groundbreaking isn’t just about a new CDL range — it’s about meeting real workforce needs in our region,” said NGTC President John Wilkinson. “The demand for skilled commercial drivers is higher than ever, and this new CDL training center will help us train and prepare more qualified professionals to enter the field. It’s a big step forward for our students, our local economy, and the industries that rely on safe, well-trained drivers.”

The expanded training facility is expected to not only increase the number of graduates but also enhance the quality of training with state-of-the-art equipment and realistic driving scenarios. These improvements aim to better prepare students for the challenges of commercial driving and electrical line work, both critical sectors in the region.

Construction is set to begin this November, with enrollment opening for the fall 2026 semester. NGTC officials emphasize that the new CDL range is a crucial investment in the future workforce, supporting regional economic growth and helping address ongoing driver shortages.

Originally reported by Lawson Smith in Accesswdun.