Experienced transportation professional Philgene Montgomery is steering his career back onto the highway, leveraging local workforce partnerships to update his credentials and refine his professional skills. With support from the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) and the Gateway Recovery to Work initiative, Montgomery recently completed the Work SENSE program—a critical step toward his goal of reentering the logistics industry.
Montgomery is no stranger to the demands of the road. He possesses an extensive background in operating tractor-trailers across the United States, having developed strong skills in safety, route planning, and long-distance hauling over many years. After a period away from commercial driving, he was motivated to return to the driver’s seat but needed assistance navigating the recertification process.
To achieve this, Montgomery engaged with the RISE program and the Kentucky Career Center system. Working alongside EKCEP’s Job Entry and Retention Support Specialist (JERSS) Jacob Sartin, Montgomery accessed funding assistance to pursue his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Because of his prior experience, he was able to secure a discounted rate for the training, with EKCEP providing the necessary financial support to cover the costs.
Before hitting the road, however, Montgomery focused on the fundamentals of workplace success. He successfully completed the Work SENSE training, a specialized curriculum developed for EKCEP by the University of the Cumberlands. This program focuses on the essential soft skills required to be a standout employee, including reliability, communication, and professional ethics.
“Philgene came to us with a clear goal and the experience to back it up,” said Jacob Sartin, EKCEP JERSS. “He tackled the Work SENSE. training with the same dedication he brings to driving, and it highlights his readiness to rejoin the workforce in a high-demand role.”
Montgomery serves as an inspiring example of how experienced professionals can utilize local resources to pivot back into their careers. Now armed with his Work SENSE certification and currently completing his CDL prerequisites, he is poised to secure a stable position in the transportation sector.
About EKCEP EKCEP, a nonprofit workforce development agency headquartered in Hazard, Ky., serves the citizens of 23 Appalachian coalfield counties. EKCEP is funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, along with various federal and state grants and private donations, and is a proud partner in the American Job Center network. Learn more at ekcep.org.