North Georgia Technical College’s Blairsville campus broke ground for a new Commercial Drivers License Range Wednesday.
The driving range will consist of a 77,440 square feet concrete training pad with an additional 4,620 square feet parking area, drive in and two full carousels that will be utilized by the CDL and Electrical Line worker programs. The new CDL Range was made possible by $4.7 million from the state budget which will provide funds for construction and new equipment for the academic program.
“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 groundbreaking 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.
Members of the state legislature joined the NGTC board of directors, Foundation board members and Leadership Team members and staff for the groundbreaking ceremony.
“This groundbreaking isn’t just about a new CDL range — it’s about meeting real workforce needs in our region,” NGTC President John Wilkinson said. “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.”
Construction is scheduled to start this November with enrollment expected to open for the fall 2026 semester.
