NorthWest Arkansas Community College’s (NWACC) Workforce & Economic Development Division was awarded a $288,700 Regional Workforce Grant Phase II from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education and is using the funding to roll out a new CDL training and truck driving program. The rollout is planned to occur in late fall and spring.
“This technology improvement grant will allow NWACC to support local and regional efforts in attracting and retaining qualified drivers across various industries requiring a commercial delivery license. Our phased rollout of this program will enhance supply chain efforts as we partner with stakeholders to promote collaboration despite market competition,” said NWACC Director of Training & Community Development Evetta Aldridge. “NWACC is committed to being a premiere provider of transportation and supply chain education, and we encourage businesses to support our efforts and job seekers to contact us to learn more.”
NWACC’s new CDL training and truck driving program will offer safety-based classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training customized to a driver’s career goals. A few training paths include:
- Driver training to prepare for CDL test and obtain Class A, B or C license
- Refresher training and licensing for experienced CDL drivers
Rollout schedule:
Fall 2021: NWACC launches the CDL training and truck driving program with classroom instruction (up to 40 hours) that will focus on basic driver safety requirements, in-cab simulation maneuvering, and evaluation and readiness assessments.
- This phase is ideal for drivers needing safety-based and continuing education training and for those re-entering the CDL driver workforce (have previously held a CDL license).
Spring 2022: NWACC expands the truck driving program to include 160 hours of classroom instruction and in-cab training on the road.
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