New Mexico Community College Launches Training for Aspiring Truck Drivers 

While striving to provide fast access to good-paying jobs, the Albuquerque (ABQ) CDL program was also created to fill a growing workforce need for New Mexico’s economy. Between 2016 and 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor projects that 108,400 truck driving jobs will be added to the current number of truck drivers nationwide. The 2017 median income for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $42,500 per year, according to U.S. Department of Labor.

“Truck drivers are in high demand in our state and across the country, and this accelerated program provides quick access to high-quality jobs,” CNM Ingenuity Executive Director Kyle Lee said. “Through ABQ CDL, we’re responding to our economy’s workforce needs while providing people with a new pathway to good jobs.”

CNM also continues to offer college-credit certificate programs in Truck Driving. Both programs meet state and federal CDL requirements.

The CDL Class A Fast Track offering is a five-week program designed to teach students how to safely operate a Class A commercial tractor-trailer and obtain the Class A CDL that’s required for employment. The program includes 142 hours of instruction over five weeks. In January, classroom sections will also be offered online, allowing the program to be completed in less than four weeks.

Students receive classroom instruction to prepare for written exams at the Motor Vehicle Division. When they pass exams and receive a permit, students attend three weeks of behind-the-wheel training. Instruction is based on the New Mexico CDL Manual and the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration requirements that cover airbrakes, vehicle inspection, manual transmission operation, backing skills, over-the-road driving and more.