NEW IBERIA – South Louisiana Community College will be offering its Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program in New Iberia beginning in October. The college currently offers CDL training in Crowley and Morgan City. The college’s Corporate College division is expanding its current program to meet industry needs.
“We’re continually looking at workforce demands throughout Acadiana and we’re finding that offering our CDL program in Iberia Parish would be a good opportunity for the community,” said Jermaine Ford, Associate Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development at SLCC.
The program will operate at SLCC’s Campus on 908 Ember Dr. which is just off of La. State Highway 90. The program in New Iberia will be a 7-week course, Monday through Friday from 7a.m. – 4 p.m. starting October 29.
To begin the program, the class must include 10 students who meet specific requirements. These include:
- Must be 18 years or older for the class (most employers require drivers be 21 years old)
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Pass a DOT physical
- Pass a DOT drug test
- Provide a copy of official driving record
The college’s CDL Class A training program is a comprehensive 245-hour (classroom and behind the wheel) covering the DOT rules and regulations, pre-trip inspection, and over the road skills.
“Students in the program learn what is needed to operate diesel-powered tractor-trailer rigs and identify common vehicle components,” said Charlotte Leleux, CDL Program Manager for SLCC. “Students also learn defensive driving skills, driving on rural, urban, and interstate roadways, handling cargo, and more.”
The college also offers businesses customized training based on workforce needs. A mobile classroom with simulators helps minimize off-the-road training time.
“Businesses can select the specific areas of training they need to help refine employees’ work skills so we can work with them to provide additional training. Safety training and insurance requirements can be easily met through our convenient, on-site training options,” said Leleux.
She noted the program can also help experienced drivers hone their skills with a 40-hour refresher course. This program is specifically designed for the experienced driver who held a CDL license in the past. The participant undergoes an assessment process covering pre-trip inspection, backing skills and road test, followed by a recommendation of instruction hours for the required training areas to prepare them for the CDL test. Once new training has been completed, participants can schedule the CDL test onsite as administered by a DOTD approved examiner.
SLCC created the Corporate College in 2015 to offer continuing education courses, leisure learning programs, and customized training for businesses across 10 campuses. Short-term training programs to prepare community members to meet the demands of area businesses is their focus.
For more information about SLCC’s CDL program, please contact SLCC’s Corporate College at 337-521-9028 or workforce@solacc.edu.
###
ABOUT ACADIANA’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE
South Louisiana Community College is a comprehensive community college that operates campuses in Abbeville, Crowley, Franklin, Houma, Lafayette, Morgan City, New Iberia, Opelousas, St. Martinville, and Ville Platte. The college serves more than 15,000 students annually and offers an array of academic programs. Students earn associate degrees, technical diplomas, certificates, and industry-based certifications. It is ranked 14th among the Top 100 Associate Degree Producers as determined by Community College Week.