Get Qualified for High-demand Trucking Jobs in Five Weeks

CNM Ingenuity, the enterprise arm of CNM, is now offering several Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) programs through the new “Albuquerque CDL,” which provides accelerated options and customizable trainings for Class A, B, C, and Passenger certifications to help aspiring truck drivers get on the road with a good job quickly.

While providing 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. HireMaster, a national website that connects truck drivers with trucking companies seeking drivers, currently lists 979 trucking jobs available in New Mexico.

“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.

ABQ CDL also offers a CDL Class B Fast Track program that trains drivers to operate Class B commercial vehicles (single vehicle with gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or heavier) in five weeks.

Other ABQ CDL offerings include:

• CDL Refresher class – four-hour, one-on-one class for drivers either requiring additional assistance on CDL Skills Exam or those needing to enhance current skills.
• CDL Skills Refresher and Assessment – four-hour one-on-one class. Instructor works with driver on vehicle inspection, backing maneuvers and road skills.
• Class A Upgrade – includes 25 hours behind wheel to help students obtain a Class A CDL. Students must have a Class B or restricted Class A license and Class A Commercial Learner’s Permit.
• The Passenger Endorsement Upgrade Certification – required to operate Class B and Class C passenger vehicles (16 or more people). Designed to assist drivers who currently have a Class A or B CDL, but need to add the passenger endorsement.