[GHENT, W.Va.] The American Trucking Association has reported a shortage of truck drivers nationwide, and both Class A and B CDL drivers are needed within southern West Virginia. To help meet the demand New River Community and Technical College is offering CDL Class A, Class B and Pintle Hook Class A certification classes at the college’s Advanced Technology Center, Ghent, in March and April 2019.
Class A CDL classes will start on March 4 and April 22. The six-week course provides 180 contact hours of training to prepare students for the driving test, and students are able to test on-site in the college’s truck on the last day of class.
Class B CDL class is scheduled to begin on April 15. The four-day course gives students an opportunity to complete training and seat time to obtain the Class B CDL license with the school bus and passenger endorsement.
Both the Class A and B CDL courses are held Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with testing available on-site on the last day of class.
The Pintle Hook Class A CDL course is specifically designed for those working in the utility industry. The 17-hour course prepares students to correctly perform operator’s inspection (pre-trip) and safe performance of commercial vehicle operation (driving). Additionally, students will learn safe trailering techniques, proper backing procedures, pintle hook coupling and other necessary skills required to receive a Class A CDL license with a pintle hook restriction. This class is offered Monday through Thursday after 4 p.m.
CDL students must have a valid-unrestricted driver’s license for a minimum of two years and obtain a Class A or B CDL learner’s permit at least two weeks prior to the start of class.
For more information or to register visit www.newriver.edu/workforce or contact a Workforce Program Specialist: Gloria Kincaid (304-793-6101, gkincaid@newriver.edu or Brian Sampson (304-929-5009, bsampson@newriver.edu .
New River CTC’s Workforce Education Division provides community education classes and employable educational opportunities including noncredit courses, workforce development programs and customized training.
New River Community and Technical College serves nine counties in southeastern West Virginia from the Greenbrier Valley Campus (Lewisburg), Mercer County Campus (Princeton), Nicholas County Campus (Summersville) and Raleigh County Campus (Beaver).
