Students Complete Second Phase of CDL Training and Fill Need for Public Transit Drivers in St. Lawrence County

In September 2022, students who successfully completed the Zero to Theory Training for Public Transit Drivers offered by Jefferson Community College (JCC) began the next step of the program: Behind the Wheel training with The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence. 

By mid-November, all participants who completed the full training program passed their Class B CDL skills exam on their first attempt and are on the road driving today. 

Successfully completing the program are: Elliot J. Brousseau-Griffin of Norwood, Derek A. Derushia of Massena, Bryan G. Dubois of Massena, Abbey N. Hosken of West Stockholm, Robin G. Oshea of Canton, James C. Parlow of Potsdam, Allen R. Stewart of Canton, and one student who wishes to remain anonymous.

 “We are happy to play a role in helping these individuals prepare to embark on a new career path,” says Dr. Megan A. Stadler, JCC Associate Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. “The College is listening to employers from all sectors of the workforce and will continue to develop partnerships and programs to serve the North Country with customized workforce training tailored to the direct needs of employers.”

“The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence has truly benefitted through this partnership with Jefferson Community College because we have been able to staff our St. Lawrence County Public Transit lines again,” stated Howard W. Ganter, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence. “We have eight, well-trained drivers thanks to the training that came out of this partnership.”

St. Lawrence County Mobility Manager Sonja Jensen says, “This is a very impressive accomplishment and reflects the skill, knowledge, and dedication that is characteristic of the St. Lawrence County Public Transit staff. It’s clear that these new drivers received high-quality training from both JCC and The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence.”  

With a Class B CDL, a driver may operate a commercial truck or large bus that weighs more than 26,000 pounds. Jefferson’s customized Zero to Theory Training consisted of Class B and passenger endorsement theory Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) and the Class B Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) with air brake and passenger endorsements. With the support of trainers at The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence, participants had 90 days to prepare for their road test and get their Class B CDL.

Call 315-786-2233 to learn more about Jefferson Community College educational and custom workforce training for employers.

(l-r) Derek A. Derushia of Massena, Robin G. Oshea of Canton, Abbey N. Hosken of West Stockholm,
Bryan G. Dubois of Massena, James C. Parlow of Potsdam, Allen R. Stewart of Canton. Not available
at time of photo: Elliot J. Brousseau-Griffin of Norwood.