Southeast Technical offers truck driving certification course for the first time in summer

For the first time ever, Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical will offer its Class "A" CDL Truck Driving certification program in Winona during the summer term. Registration for the course will be available one week earlier than the college's normal May registration period.   

New student orientation and registration will be on Friday, May 9, and classes run from May 19 to July 10, followed by an internship. It is important to apply immediately if you want to enroll for the program! 

The Truck Driving program begins with 8 weeks of classroom and behind-the-wheel training to prepare drivers for any situation they may face when on the road. Students must also register for and complete an 8-week internship as part of the program in order to receive their certificate (for a total of 16 weeks). After successfully completing the program, students obtain a Class A commercial driver's license and are qualified to drive tractor-trailer combination vehicles. 

Class size is limited and students who are considering enrolling should be aware of the timeline. It is important to start the college application process early, because all steps must be completed one full week prior to registration. (An additional registration date will be offered on May 16 if space is still available.)

The application process involves:  

• applying online ($20 application fee)  
• submitting high school and college transcripts 
• taking the placement exam (Accuplacer) 
• applying for financial aid or setting up payment plan.  

In addition, students who are admitted to the truck driving program must obtain a valid Class "A" CDL permit prior to the first day of class.   

Demand is extremely high for skilled truck drivers; in fact, many trucking companies start recruiting qualified students as soon as they are enrolled at Southeast Technical and offer tuition reimbursement as a benefit.  

The Southeast Technical Truck Driving Program's philosophy is described in its motto:  "We have an obligation to ourselves, our students, our community and to other highway users to train the safest, most courteous drivers on the highway today. This is not an obligation we take lightly." 

For more information and to apply, visit www.southeastmn.one/become_a_student or call 877-853-8324.