Holbrook, Arizona — Northland Pioneer College has launched a commercial driver’s license training program at its Holbrook campus, giving local students a new route into trucking careers.
The new initiative expands the college’s workforce offerings across Navajo and Apache counties, where truck driver jobs are in high demand. By partnering with the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, the college secured a $200,000 grant that purchased a CDL simulator, an International bus, two dry vans, a late‑model Freightliner Cascadia, and a Volvo VNR. The equipment allows trainees to practice both manual and automatic transmissions, a feature that few regional programs provide.
Classes meet once a week for four‑hour blocks from Monday through Thursday, with morning and afternoon sessions to fit drivers’ schedules. Enrollment is open for upcoming sessions and does not require prior commercial driving experience. The program costs start at $4,000, plus a $125 online Entry‑Level Driver Training theory course that covers FMCSA regulations. Financial assistance is available for qualifying students, and companies that enroll employees and supply their own training vehicles may qualify for discounted pricing. To qualify, applicants must hold a commercial learner’s permit, submit a three‑year driving record, provide a driver’s license, and complete a current DOT physical that includes a drug screen. They must also register with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
What This Means for Drivers
For first‑time drivers, the program offers a clear path to a CDL‑A credential without the need for a long‑term commitment to an apprenticeship. Owner‑operators can use the refresher training to stay current on new safety standards and gain confidence behind the wheel of modern rigs. Fleet managers will benefit from a local talent pool trained on the exact vehicles used in their operations, reducing onboarding time and improving compliance with FMCSA regulations.
Industry Reaction
Trucking companies hiring in the Southwest are watching the program’s rollout closely. The ability to train employees on both manual and automatic rigs aligns with the industry’s shift toward more fuel‑efficient, late‑model trucks. Local carriers anticipate that a well‑trained workforce will reduce accident rates and improve service reliability, while the college’s flexible scheduling accommodates drivers who already work part of the road.
Key Points
- Program approved by FMCSA and Arizona DOT, located at 2251 E. Navajo Blvd., Holbrook.
- Equipment includes CDL simulator, International bus, two dry vans, Freightliner Cascadia, and Volvo VNR.
- Training costs $4,000, plus a $125 theory course; financial aid available.
- Prerequisites: commercial learner’s permit, 3‑year driving record, DOT physical with drug screen, FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse registration.
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