Isabelle is pictured in the cab. Instructor Dennis Flynn proudly stands below her. To his left is John Rieger, WSWHE BOCES board member and owner of County Power Products Inc of Greenwich and Isabelle’s employer who is providing the additional work hours needed to earn the certification. Also in the photograph are colleagues who supported her. This is all significant because in May 2022, New York State law changed to allow 18 year olds the ability to obtain a Class A CDL (combination vehicles: truck and trailer over 26,001 lbs). Previously 18 year olds were only eligible to earn a Class B license (single unit vehicle over 26,001 lbs; ie. our dump trucks) and had to wait until they reached 21 years of age for a Class A CDL.
To qualify for the Class A license in WSWHE BOCES CTE programs under the new law, candidates (under 21) must complete the driver training provided at WSWHE BOCES, and they must also complete 300 hours of driver training with a company performing "live" work.
To complete all of the requirements before high school graduation is quite an accomplishment. Isabelle plans to continue her education at Paul Smith’s College. Congratulations Isabelle!