91��Ƭ

The demand for professional drivers continues to grow nationwide and regionally. Now, 91��Ƭ (NPC) has invested in a new, innovative workforce training program to prepare local students for high-demand careers in the field. A CDL training program is now being offered at the college’s skills center at the Holbrook campus. The program provides students with specialized training to gain the skills, confidence, and credentials they need to enter the workforce and prepare for the road ahead. 

Thanks to a $200,000 grant from the Office of Economic Opportunity, NPC has a new state-of-the-art CDL training simulator, equipment including an International Bus with two dry vans, a late-model Freightliner Cascadia, and a Volvo VNR, along with qualified industry experts to lead the program. Students will train on both standard and automatic vehicles.

The program is approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and ADOT. 

Classes meet one day a week in a four-hour block, Monday through Thursday. For additional flexibility, students have the option to attend either morning or afternoon sessions. The campus is located at 2251 E. Navajo Blvd. in Holbrook. Additional training locations are coming soon.

NPC CDL Training Faculty and Chair, Brian Jager, said, “We are excited to offer this program locally. The need for qualified, safe, and dependable employees in the field is evident. We offer training for first-time CDL drivers, Class A and B series credentialing, school bus drivers, and refresher training for those wishing to brush up on skills and re-enter the field. We can also customize training for partnerships in construction, paving, excavation, trucking and other industries.”

Enrollment for upcoming fall sessions is currently open. Prior CDL experience is not required. The cost of the program starts at $4,000. In addition to practical training, students are required to complete a $125 online Entry Level Driving Training (EDLT) theory course. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Discounts are also being offered to companies that enroll employees and provide their own training vehicles. Students must register through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.  If not already registered through an employer, the course will sponsor the student and the cost of the drug screen.  Before entry, students are also required to show proof of a CDL Learner’s Permit, a copy of their driving record from the prior three years, a copy of their driver’s license, and a D.O.T physical, including a D.O.T. drug screen.

“Investing in our region’s workforce is a priority at NPC,” Jager said. “Providing residents in Navajo and Apache counties with access to affordable, quality instruction close to home is our goal. We work to create ways for people to better provide for themselves and their families. Students can complete this program in less than eight weeks and enter the field as professional drivers. It’s a path to a career and an investment in the future. 

For more information on this program or to register for an upcoming session, visit  www.npc.edu/cdl. Questions about the program can be directed to Brian Jager at (928) 524-7492 or email brian.jager@npc.edu.