Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – With the demand for commercial drivers at an all-time high, South Texas College is fast-tracking students into high paying careers through an intensive four-week Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program.
Offered through STC’s Continuing Education department, the CDL program is equipping students with the skills, confidence and certifications to hit the road and support their families in record time.
“This can change students’ lives,” said CDL Instructor Daniel Salazar. “We will bring the best out of them so they can get out on the road make a good living to support their families. I think they will be amazed at the doors this can open for them.”
A CDL allows for driving various commercial vehicles over 26,000 pounds including heavy equipment, buses and trucks across the United States.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reports that the job market for truck drivers is growing rapidly, with a projected 160,600 new trucking jobs expected to be added by 2029.
In response, STC has created the CDL course so students can complete the program within a month.
Through the 160-hour course, students gain 40 hours of classroom training to master CDL basics, while the remaining three weeks of the course involve range practice, vehicle inspection training and road driving to prepare for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) exam.
Once students have their permit, they begin their 120 hours of hands-on training, spending time conducting maneuvers and logging driving hours on the public roads developing the skills established by the Texas Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Financial aid is available through a Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG), which can cover up to 50% of the cost to take the course.
Current CDL student Ray Ramirez said he was motivated to obtain his CDL through an uncle, who worked as a truck driver for more than 20 years as well as a friend who drove trucks for the Army.
Ramirez said he was inspired by their positive experiences in the trucking industry, and now the goal is to obtain a CDL and enter the workforce driving tankers with a HAZMAT endorsement so he can haul oil or fuel.
“I’ve learned so much in the two weeks that I have been here. The faculty bring you up to speed quickly, so in that time I have obtained my CDL permit, practiced road driving and I have mastered parallel parking, which is very important to me,” said Ramirez, who had previously worked in landscaping, plumbing and power washing before deciding to earn his CDL. “The instructors here have been very helpful, and I have gained a lot of confidence so I can quickly get my CDL and enter an in-demand career.”
Continuing Education at STC also offers passenger and HAZMAT endorsements as well as Class A and Class B endorsements for students.
The passenger endorsement allows for driving vehicles with over 16 passengers and is a three-week course. STC’s HAZMAT endorsement can also be completed with an eight-hour course. STC provides study materials for tanker, double and triple endorsements.
“I feel that If you’re looking to get into the bus or truck driving industry you should really consider the program at STC,” Ramirez said. “Faculty here are going to make sure you understand every last facet of truck driving so you can receive your CDL license and then go to work. They really care about you here but let you learn at your own pace without rushing you.”
For more information on the CDL program, as well as a vast number of in-person and industry-based online courses visit www.southtexascollege.edu/cpit/.
Classes take place very month.
