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Mission Statement

The mission of the Schuylkill Technology Center Postsecondary Programs is to enable the adult student to acquire the attitudes, knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become a lifelong learner and a productive citizen of a global economy by developing an educational pathway for excellence driven by a partnership with education, business, industry, government, family, and the community.

Postsecondary Objective

Our main objective is to train and test student drivers to obtain a Class-A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). At completion, students will be licensed to drive all commercial Class A and B trucks, e.g. tractor-trailer, tanker trailers, cement and dump trucks, utility vehicles and Hazmat vehicles.

Now is the time to take the first step! A driver shortage means companies are actively looking for qualified men and women over the age of 18. Trucking companies are offering more incentives then ever before, including tuition reimbursement, sign-on bonuses, dedicated runs, and wage increases. Don't wait another moment to make the open road your office!

You can earn an average of $42,000 annually, according to the American Trucking Associations' 2003 Driver Compensation Study.

Your future earnings will increase - experienced, safe drivers can earn $45,000 to $60,000 a year or more.

Typical benefits include performance-based bonuses, health insurance, and sick and vacation leave.

Trucking jobs cannot be outsourced or moved abroad.

Opportunities to advance in other areas, including sales, management, logistics, and training.

Students obtain extensive training including pre-trip inspections, backing maneuvers, and all types of road driving. Students will be prepared for both CDL knowledge (written and driving) tests leading to a Commercial Drivers License.

ORIENTATION ~ 40hr

Training consists of orientation to trucking industry, substance abuse training, control systems, vehicle instruments and controls, vehicle inspection, basic control, speed management, and night operation.

DOCUMENTATIONS/SYSTEMS ~ 40hr

Training consists of cargo documentation, cargo handling, accidents and procedures, hours of service, vehicle systems, and electrical and starting systems.

VEHICLE SYSTEMS ~ 40hr

Training consists of continuation of vehicle systems (HM 181), engines, air brakes, personal health and safety, and electrical and starting systems.

STATE TEST PREPARATION ~ 40hr

Training consists of continuation of CDL, prep, map reading, trip planning, hazardous materials, CDL mock test, DOT 66 written test, final exam, and State CDL test given by DOT.

YARD WORK ~ 40hr

Training consists of lab/range/road, pre-trip inspections, coupling and uncoupling, basic backing principles, forward serpentine, and basic shifting principles.

CDL BASIC CONTROL SKILLS ~ 40hr

Training consists of continuation of range/road, CDL basic control skills, and CDL on road driving.

CDL/ROAD DRIVING ~ 40hr

Training consists of range/road, on road shifting, backing techniques, CDL basic control skills, and CDL on road driving.

CONTINUATION OF ROAD DRIVING ~ 40hr

Training consists of continuation of range/road, CDL basic control skills, and CDL on road driving.

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES ~ 40hr

Training consists of continuation of range/road and advanced backing techniques, dump trailer operations, advanced shifting techniques, pulling loaded trailers, night driving, and advanced driving techniques.

CDL SKILLS TEST/GRADUATION ~ 40hr

Training consists of continuation of range/road, advanced backing techniques, advanced shifting techniques, and advanced driving techniques, CDL Skills Test, and graduation.