ROCKLAND COUNTY (April 26, 2022) –The mission of Rockland Community College has always been to train students to become “real-world ready,” gaining the experience necessary to have a competitive edge in the marketplace. To that end, RCC has recently started running a Class A Truck Driver (CDL) training course, that includes an Entrepreneurship microcredential. The first session has had such strong enrollment, that additional sessions have been added throughout the spring and summer semesters.
“The CDL program is one of many new short-term programs offered at RCC, ensuring graduates can secure jobs in sectors that typically start with salaries above $40,000,” says Dr. Jean Leandre, Dean of Career and Professional Development at RCC. “I am thrilled that the college has so many diverse opportunities to accommodate individual needs.”
The CDL curriculum prepares students for the Class-A Tractor-Trailer Certification, and includes assistance with resume writing, interview preparation and job placement. The average salary for CDL Professionals is $55,300. Students will be trained to inspect and operate tractor-trailers as well as assume responsibility on the road and at pickup/delivery points. The class emphasizes vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380 -397 and a certificate for entry-level drivers), trip planning, cargo handlings, size/weight laws, general maintenance procedures, hours of service and accident prevention. Students must be at least 18-years-old and have a valid New York State Driver’s License. Students can choose between weekday or weekend classes; program cost is $5,500 and there are scholarship and grant opportunities for those who qualify.
“CDL Training has been a great and challenging experience for me,” says Washington Campos of Yonkers. “The instructors are very informative and treat the class as a family. We help each other when we struggle and motivate each other to keep going.” Olsen Jean-Baptiste from West Haverstraw was unemployed at the time and enrolled in the program to try to find a better opportunity for himself. “I really like this program and I enjoy that the instructors are hands-on.”
CDL Training: Class A Truck Driver (Includes an Entrepreneurship Microcredential)
Weekday Programs run Monday through Thursday from 7 am to 5:30 pm on:
- May 9 – June 2
- June 6 – June 30
Weekend Programs are on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 am to 5:30 pm on:
- May 14 – July 3
- July 9 – August 28
For more information, contact RCC’s Career Skills Academy at 845-574-4518 or [email protected].
About Rockland Community College, State University of New York
Rockland Community College, State University of New York, offers a safe, supportive learning environment for thousands of students from diverse backgrounds who appreciate small class sizes and personal attention from a distinguished, award-winning faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. Thanks to the school’s affordable tuition, students who begin their career journey at RCC and then transfer to a four-year college can save up to $100,000 on their education. RCC is also proud to provide career training and professional development to adult learners looking to change careers or upgrade their skills through its new Career Skills Academy. More information can be found at sunyrockland.edu.