SIDNEY, Neb. - Western Nebraska Community College is thrilled to announce the launch of its expanded Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program in Sidney, beginning in Fall 2024.

This expansion, made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, helps address the growing demand for skilled commercial drivers in the region. The U.S. Department of Labor's community funding appropriations request, supported by Representative Adrian Smith (NE-3), will facilitate the expansion of the CDL program at WNCC and at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebraska. Funding will enable WNCC to hire additional instructors and purchase state-of-the-art equipment.

"Our CDL program has been a tremendous asset to our area employers since its reintroduction in 2022," WNCC President Greg Dart said. "We are excited to expand the program into Sidney to allow more opportunities for future truck drivers. We can't thank Senator Smith enough for the support for trade and workforce programs like our CDL program."

Truck driving instruction for the expanded CDL program will take place at Floyd's Truck Center in Sidney. Classroom theory and simulator practice will be held on the WNCC Sidney Campus.

"We are deeply appreciative of the support and partnership of Floyd's Truck Center in bringing our CDL program to Sidney," said Doug Mader, WNCC executive director of workforce development & lifelong learning. "Their collaboration has been instrumental in expanding educational opportunities to the southern Panhandle. We look forward to a successful partnership that will benefit our students and communities."

In addition to the Sidney location, WNCC is working on securing a location in the northern Panhandle to expand access to the CDL program even further.

WNCC is seeking qualified instructors to train aspiring truck drivers in the southern and northern Panhandle. To learn more or apply, visit go.wncc.edu/Careers online or call 308-635-6005.

For more information about the CDL program at WNCC, visit go.wncc.edu/cdl online or contact Mader at [email protected] or 308.635.6556.