Collision Repair Technology senior Keaton McClafferty of Elderton , Pennsylvania , viewed Lenape Tech ’ s new CDL program similarly , he told Connections : as an opportunity to gain a valuable skill that could be useful in the automotive field , or as a head start should he decide to pivot to a career in transportation . “ Most people in the automotive industry have a CDL and this course will give me an advantage all around ,” McClafferty told Connections . “ Even if you are not planning on driving , it is good to have .”
launched in September 2022 .
In February this year , during a class field trip to Bradigan ’ s bulk plant , the students observed the operation and what drivers do . “ Not only driving the truck ,” Bradigan said , “ but loading and unloading the vehicle .”
Bradigan also made one of his company ’ s tractor-trailers available on the Lenape Tech campus for about 10 days so students could practice their pre-trip vehicle inspections .
Bradigan and Kuchta said the hope is that the program can be replicated in other school districts , with the aim being to get more young people interested in driving .
The program is being fine-tuned for the upcoming school year , and 30 or so students have expressed interest in enrolling , Kuchta said .
Note : Portions of this article are reprinted from an article by Kevin Truffa , published in the Lenape Technical School magazine , Connections . l FON
Andy Bradigan , owner of Bradigan ’ s Inc ., a fuel dealer in Kittanning , Pennsylvania , approached school officials about creating the course , which
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