In Drumright, Oklahoma, trucking is more than just a career—it’s a family tradition. For the Jones family, driving trucks has been a legacy passed down through generations, built on hard work, dedication, and pride in doing the job right.
This spring, that legacy continued when Judge Jones became the fourth generation of his family to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL), choosing Central Tech’s Truck Driver Training program for the next step in his journey.
“I called my dad and told him I wanted to do it, and he was pretty excited,” Judge said.
Choosing the Right Training Program
With decades of trucking experience, the Jones family knew exactly what they wanted from a training program. They weren’t looking for a short course to just get a license—they wanted real instruction, actual seat time, and instructors who understood the industry firsthand.
That search led Judge’s father, Brad Jones, to reach out to Tyler Eberle, a former coworker now serving as a truck driver instructor at Central Tech.
“We started looking around, and then he texted Tyler because he heard Tyler was working at Central Tech,” Judge said. Brad and Tyler had worked together in heavy haul trucking, and Brad trusted Tyler to provide the training his son needed. “He didn’t want it to be a two-week class or something like that. He wanted me to actually go and learn the fundamentals.”
After a brief conversation, the decision was clear: Central Tech was the right choice.
Learning from Real-World Experience
For Judge, the hands-on approach of Central Tech instructors made a big difference. “It was great,” he said. “It made me actually feel like I was going to learn something from somebody that’s actually been around it.”
Living in the Kingston area, Judge was able to train locally through Central Tech’s partnership with Kiamichi Tech in Durant, while still receiving the same quality instruction and drive time as at the Drumright campus.
“It’s like a 20-minute drive every day to school,” Judge said. “It’s a great place. Mr. Balkenbush is a great teacher. He’s very helpful.”
While convenience mattered, quality mattered more. “Being close to my house definitely played a part in my selection,” Judge said. “But if I had to come to Drumright, I would have. It just seemed like a great school to come to.”
Graduation and Future Plans
Judge graduated on May 13 with his Class A CDL and said the program exceeded his expectations. “All the time we got with Mr. Balkenbush, he was right there helping you and showing you,” he said. “You really get the one-on-one time.”
Paul Balkenbush, a truck driver training instructor at Central Tech, said, “One of the most rewarding parts of being an instructor is watching students grow throughout the course.
Satellite programs, like the one at Kiamichi Tech – Durant, let students develop skills in the transportation industry while being home each night with their families and friends.”
After graduation, Judge plans to stay close to home and explore additional endorsements, including hazmat and tanker.
Advice for Aspiring Truck Drivers
When asked what he would tell someone considering Central Tech’s Truck Driver Training Program, Judge didn’t hesitate.
“The seat time you get here and the quality of teachers, you can’t beat it,” he said. “There’s no other place that you can drive like we do. The experience Central Tech has and what they have to add is unbeatable.”
For the Jones family, the road ahead is familiar, but thanks to Central Tech, the next generation is ready to drive it.
About Central Technology Center
Central Tech is committed to hands-on learning and technical education, empowering students with practical skills and knowledge for immediate application. Part of the Oklahoma CareerTech system, the tech center serves 25 communities with a wide range of programs for high school students, adults, and industry professionals.
With over 400 business partnerships, Central Tech provides customized training solutions that support economic growth. The Truck Driver Training Program, offered in partnership with other technology centers, spans multiple locations across Oklahoma. Central Tech fosters a culture of success and lifelong learning.
