Local CDL Program Hits The Road To Meet Industry Demand

For the first time, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is offering Commercial Driver’s License training. The session began in early June with a CDL Prep Course. The students transitioned to hands-on training later in the month before taking their state exam on June 28.

Business and Industry Services at Southwest Tech, partnered with Gilbertson and his company, to offer the training on campus. Prior to this training, students would have to travel elsewhere in the state or Midwest to gain these skills.

“This is a perfect opportunity for us to reach students in our area who are interested in advancing their skills,” says Holly Straka, director of Business and Industry Services. “We have had inquiries about this type of training over the years, and we are proud to now be able to offer this, locally.”

Keith Gilbertson, owner of Dark Horse CDL School, offers instruction during a recent training session on campus.

The course includes:

• Classroom instruction: CDL regulations, road safety, and industry insights.
• On-the-road training: Master driving maneuvers, backing, parking, and more.
• Endorsement training: Class A with air brakes.
• Exam prep: Practice exams and support.

“We are preparing them for the state exam,” says Gilbertson. “There are three sections of the state exam – pre-trip, backing maneuver, and a driving portion. We are trying to teach them all about the trucks and any emergencies, things that are very important when you are driving a commercial vehicle.”

If they pass the state exam, these students will earn an unrestricted Class A CDL license.

This first cohort includes seven students. According to Gilbertson, a majority of them are seeking the license to enhance their work at small businesses or on farms. In the past, he has taught Electrical Power Distribution students from Southwest Tech.

“They aren’t going to drive a semi, per se, but they are going to have a large truck with a trailer, which is still a class A combination vehicle,” says Gilbertson. “We customize the training to what the students will be doing and their background.”