Two Colleges Launch CDL Training to Open Trucking Careers

Barstow Community College in California and Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) in Louisiana are both launching commercial driver license (CDL) training programs to facilitate entry into professional truck driving careers. Barstow Community College, located at a critical junction of major highways in the Mojave Desert, is collaborating with 160 Driving Academy to provide this training. The program includes 40 hours of classroom instruction at Barstow and 120 hours of hands-on driving experience at 160 Driving Academy facilities. This initiative aims to address local workforce shortages by equipping students with the necessary certifications for high-demand trucking jobs.

Similarly, BPCC in Louisiana has introduced a CDL training program at its Natchitoches campus, also receiving a substantial grant to bolster workforce training in logistics. This program allows students to pursue either CDL Class A or Class B licenses, addressing the increasing need for skilled drivers in the regional economy.

In terms of the transportation sector, this type of training is critical given the ongoing driver shortages that have been exacerbated by the pandemic and other economic factors. By partnering educational institutions with established industry leaders, initiatives like these not only enhance workforce readiness but also stabilize regional economies reliant on logistics and transportation. Investing in such educational programs is essential for attracting new talent into the sector, ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of supply chains long-term.