In response to regional needs and the national shortage of CDL-licensed truck drivers, SUNY Sullivan, in partnership with Ancora Education, is launching a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) Training Program this fall. After completing the CDL Training Program, students can earn their commercial driving license and the qualifications for an in-demand career.
“Bringing a robust, respected CDL Training Program to SUNY Sullivan is another great example of the college responding to employers’ workforce needs in the county,” said SUNY Sullivan Dean of Student Success and Workforce Development Dr. Jennifer Wrage. “There continues to be a huge demand for truck drivers across the state and companies are eager to hire licensed drivers. This program helps prepare students with the skills and knowledge that are foundational to a successful career as a professional driver.”
“The College’s CDL training program will be a major benefit to Sullivan County residents and students who are looking to step into a new career in as little as three weeks. For individuals who need fast training in order to support themselves and their families, earning a CDL license enables students to enter an in-demand, well-paying career,” said SUNY Sullivan Dean of Student Success and Workforce Development Dr. Jennifer Wrage.
SUNY Sullivan’s CDL Driver Training Program begins October 14 and offers three levels of training: a 160 hour course Class A CDL Course, a 120-hour Class B CDL Course, and a 10-hour Refresher course. The training curriculum for both the Class A and Class B (for non-combination vehicles) courses meets Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory requirements and prepares students for the required knowledge and skills tests to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License. Topics covered include Basic Operation, Safe Operating Procedures, Advanced Operating Procedures, Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions, and Non-Driving Activities.
The Refresher course provides training in the safe operation of Class A or B Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). Topics include, but may not be limited to, vehicle inspections, backing maneuvers, and public roadway driving. It is designed to strengthen existing knowledge, skills, and driving techniques for drivers lacking driving experience and/or who have not operated a CMV for an extended period of time. Emphasis is placed on DOT regulations, vehicle systems, backing maneuvers, defensive driving, and accident prevention. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the proper skills required for safely operating a CMV in the public roadway environment.
Course costs, per student, are $5,500 for CDL-A Tractor Trailer Training, $4,125 for CDL-B Training, and $550 for both the one-day CDL-A and CDL-B Refresher Training courses.
Loreen Gebelein, Director of Sullivan County’s Center for Workforce Development, shared, “If a county resident is currently unemployed or underemployed, they may be eligible for financial assistance. Please reach out to the Center of Workforce Development at 845-794-3340 for further information.”
“We are privileged to have the chance to work with SUNY Sullivan,” said Natalie Williams, Ancora’s Vice President of Client Operations. “There is a huge demand for truck drivers across the nation, and companies in New York and beyond are eager to hire CDL-A and B license holders. This program helps prepare students with the skills and knowledge that are foundational to a successful career as a professional driver.”
Students can participate in CDL training during the day Monday-Thursday (7:00 am–5:30 pm), or evenings Monday-Thursday (5:30 –10:30 pm), or on the weekends on Saturday and Sunday (7:00 am –5:30 pm). Classes are available throughout the year on a rolling basis.
CDL Class B training schedule begins on October 14 for weekend classes, October 16 for evening classes, or November 13 for daytime classes. Daytime classes are 3 weeks, evening and weekend classes are each 6 weeks long.
CDL Class A training schedule begins on October 16 and December 11 for daytime classes, December 9 for weekend classes, and December 11 for evening classes. Daytime classes are 4 weeks, evening and weekends are each 8 weeks long.
For more information about SUNY Sullivan’s CDL Training Program, visit sunysullivan.edu/workforce-development/cdl-training/ or contact Bridget Schiffer at Bschiffer@sunysullivan.edu or 845-434-5750, ext. 4242.
For more information about SUNY Sullivan’s CDL Training Program, visit www.ancoraeducation.com/sullivan or contact Bridget Schiffer at Bschiffer@sunysullivan.edu or 845-434-5750, ext. 4242.
About SUNY Sullivan
SUNY Sullivan is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Our diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, SUNY Sullivan offers over 40 degree programs, certificates, and microcredentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect. sunysullivan.edu.
About Ancora Education
Ancora Education is a leading workforce solutions provider addressing America’s labor gaps through innovative and technology-driven technical education training programs specializing in healthcare, IT, business, and skilled trades including CDL truck driving and other custom solutions. Ancora Education owns and operates six private, post-secondary school brands with 22 campus locations across the nation and offers focused training programs with corporate, community college, and government agency partners. Ancora Education network schools include: Arizona Automotive Institute (AAI), Berks Technical Institute (BTI), Edge Tech Academy, McCann School of Business & Technology, Miller-Motte College (MMC) and South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (STVT). Workforce solutions are provided by Ancora Training and Ancora Corporate Training. Learn more at ancora.com.
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August 28, 2023