Client First Insurance Solutions establishes CDL scholarships at South Georgia Technical College

August 3, 2021
Shown above (l to r) are Tamma Phillips and Kirk Lyman-Barner of Client First Insurance Solutions along with SGTC President Dr. John Watford accepting a donation for Commercial Truck Driving scholarships from Jody Wade of Client First Insurance Solutions with SGTC Commercial Truck Driving Instructors Robert Cooks and Ken Hair.
Shown above (l to r) are Tamma Phillips and Kirk Lyman-Barner of Client First Insurance Solutions along with SGTC President Dr. John Watford accepting a donation for Commercial Truck Driving scholarships from Jody Wade of Client First Insurance Solutions with SGTC Commercial Truck Driving Instructors Robert Cooks and Ken Hair.

     Client First Insurance Solutions in Americus presented the South Georgia Technical College Foundation with a $2500 check recently to establish five Commercial Truck Driving scholarships for the 2021 – 2022 academic year.  The scholarships will be awarded to South Georgia Technical College Commercial Truck Driving students who aspire to become owner/operators.

   “We are very appreciative of Client First Insurance Solutions for their willingness to partner with South Georgia Technical College through their sponsorship of these scholarships for this high demand career field,” said SGTC President Dr. John Watford as he thanked Kirk Lyman-Barner, Tamma Phillips, and Jody Wade of Client First for their donation.

   Kirk Lyman-Barner, Tamma Phillips and Jody Wade presented the check to SGTC President Dr. John Watford, SGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the SGTC Foundation Su Ann Bird, and SGTC CDL instructors Robert Cook and Ken Hair.  “We are very pleased to partner with South Georgia Technical College for these CDL scholarships,” said Kirk Lyman-Barner.  “Truck drivers are essential workers and they are delivering goods for our communities.  We would like to show our appreciation to those individuals who are choosing to enter this career field.”

   The primary focus of Client First Insurance Solutions is to meet the needs of its valued clients and prepare insurance solutions for the things that matter most.  They provide auto, home, commercial, life insurance and more.  They service clients in Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida.

   Dr. Watford shared that “statistics show there is a current shortage of truck drivers and this is predicted to increase over the next few years. Almost every job ad you see is advertising for certified drivers.  South Georgia Technical College is striving to meet that demand by expanding its Commercial Truck Driving training program and these scholarships will be a tremendous help.”

   South Georgia Technical College is currently constructing a new state-of-the-art Commercial Truck Driving building and resurfacing and expanding its existing CDL driving range.  Commercial Truck Driving is one of the Governor’s High Demand Career fields that qualifies for additional funding through the Hope Career Grant program.  Qualified residents will receive up to $1000 toward tuition for enrolling in the CDL program.

   The Commercial Truck Driving program at South Georgia Technical College is an eight-week program and can be completed in day or evening classes.  The curriculum includes in-class work, skills-field training, and on-the-road experience.  The median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $47,130 in May 2020.

   South Georgia Technical College is currently registering students for Fall Semester.  Classes begin August 18th.  To enroll in the CDL classes, contact the admissions office at 229-931-2394 in Americus or 229-271-4040 in Cordele.  For more information about the CDL program contact Robert Cook at rcook@southgatech.edu or visit the SGTC website at www.southgatech.edu.

   South Georgia Tech offers over 200 associate degree, diploma or short-term certificate of credit programs of study.  Now is a great time to get the training needed to update or start a new career!