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On the road again: CDL course at Dickinson State University takes off4 min read

November 5, 2020

Written by Kayden Heckaman, DSU Student Intern

When 2020 started, who knew it would end up being such a hectic year for not just North Dakota, but also the whole world? Here in western North Dakota, we have not only had to deal with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic but also severe economic conditions in the energy and agriculture related sectors. We have seen sharp declines in oil prices this year, and crop and livestock prices have also been dwindling. These economic hits have caused the displacement of hundreds of North Dakota workers. However, not all is lost! Dickinson State University’s (DSU) designation as a dual mission institution has given the University the opportunity to be responsive and relevant in meeting the educational needs of the citizens in our region.

In 2018, Dickinson State University was approved by the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education as the first dual mission institution in the state. This designation expands course offerings beyond the bachelor‘s degree and now includes continuing education, certification, associate degrees, and graduate degrees. This designation allows DSU to serve our area by offering needed programs to prepare a workforce for our growing region.

A survey conducted of the regional business community and energy companies brought forward several interest areas in which workers are needed. One of the interests presented was a growing need in southwestern North Dakota for preparation for testing and obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). In order to bring this training to the Dickinson area, DSU has collaborated with TrainND Northwest, a division of Williston State College. TrainND Northwest currently offers this training to northwestern North Dakota and in its partnership with DSU has begun to provide a similar service to the southwestern portion of the state.

The CDL training program is a three-week, 120-hour course that consists of both an in-class component and behind-the-wheel training on and around the DSU campus. The first three and a half days focus primarily on intense classroom training. As for the remaining days in the course, they are split between a short classroom period for updates and logbook maintenance and operating or observing tractor operation. In-class portions of the course cover topics ranging from driver qualifications, and wellness and fatigue, to pre-trip inspections. The hands-on portion covers topics such as vehicle inspections, basic controls, hazard perception, and defensive driving skills. After successfully completing the course, participants receive a certificate, and are prepared to take the State of North Dakota CDL driving test.

The first classes, which began in mid-October, were “fantastic,” according to Dr. Chip Poland, DSU’s chair of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Studies and professor of agriculture. “Kenley Nebeker, the regional director of technical programs and training at TrainND Northwest, was very meticulous to ensure the curriculum was set up and ready for delivery,” said Poland. “And Casey Anderson, the on-site instructor and TrainND Northwest’s safety trainer, is very experienced and accomplished and made the initiation of our inaugural class a huge success.”

“In addition to the support from TrainND Northwest, another key player in making this program a success is Mary Urlacher, Dickinson’s workforce center manager for Job Service North Dakota,” said Poland. “Job Service North Dakota, who provides workforce and unemployment services across the state, made a substantial contribution to this program by providing funding assistance to eligible participants to help offset the cost of this training.”

During their first week, three participants completed three days of intensive in-class instruction before starting their hands-on training. Their next weeks were full of learning, and we are happy to report they have since passed their CDL driving tests and are ready to hit the road!

The inaugural class inspects the underside of the training semi trailer.

The next three-week span of classes will begin Monday, Nov. 30, and will conclude with a driving test the week of Dec. 21. This course is anticipated to be offered roughly every other month. For more information, such as specific course dates, prerequisites and requirements, and details regarding cost and funding opportunities, please visit www.dickinsonstate.edu/cdl.

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