Aspiring truck drivers, who are in high demand nationwide, can get trained under an expedited program through CNM Ingenuity, a nonprofit that manages Central New Mexico Community College’s commercial activities.
The new “Albuquerque CDL” program is offering training for several types of commercial driver licenses “to help aspiring truck drivers get on the road with a good job quickly,” according to a CNM news release.
“Truck drivers are in high demand in our state and across the country, and this accelerated program provides quick access to high-quality jobs,” said Kyle Lee, CNM Ingenuity executive director. “… We’re responding to our economy’s workforce needs while providing people with a new pathway to good jobs.”
The trucking industry nationwide is reporting a growing labor shortage, with 63,000 open positions this year and more than double that amount expected in coming years. Some companies are offering signing bonuses and other incentives to lure drivers to their ranks.
Among the CNM offerings is a commercial license Class A Fast Track program that includes 142 hours of instruction over five weeks. Students receive theory instruction to prepare them for required written exams, as well as three weeks behind the wheel.
In January, classroom sections also will be offered online so students can complete the course in four weeks.
For more information, go to abqcdl.org/.
