SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Western Nebraska Community College is now offering a specialized Class A CDL training class for graduates of the Powerline Construction & Maintenance program.

After receiving feedback that most utility companies are requiring a Class A CDL as a qualification for new hires, WNCC needed a way to adapt the existing CDL training to fit the needs of the Powerline program graduates.

After compressing the training to allow students to finish in three weeks rather than four, and accommodating up to six drivers instead of three, the last obstacle was space large enough to train the students. Western Sugar Cooperative stepped in as a partner and has allowed the use of their beet receiving site at the intersection of Highway 26 and Highland Road for a training course for the CDL program.

“WNCC was able to leverage instructor time and vehicles to meet the special Powerline CDL training requirements however, we did not have the additional physical space to teach range driving skills to six students at a time," Doug Mader, WNCC workforce & lifelong learning executive director said. "Fortunately, Western Sugar has agreed to allow WNCC to use their beet receiving site that facilitates running three tractor trailer vehicles at a time. WNCC is fortunate to have Western Sugar as a strong community partner."

The first cohort of Powerline graduates began their CDL training on May 15 and completed it on June 2. The second cohort began on June 5 and will continue through June 23.

“We are pleased to work with WNCC on this project to help train future workers for our power companies." said Jerry Darnell, Western Sugar Cooperative vice president, agriculture, south region.  "We look forward to working with WNCC on future projects.”  

WNCC offers both Class A and Class B CDL training courses throughout the calendar year. To learn more about the program, visit go.wncc.edu/CDL. WNCC can also offer customized Class B Entry Level Driver Training for employers. For more information call 308.635.6335.