Commercial Truck Driver Apprenticeship

Transportation, distribution, and logistics companies face complex challenges in their competitive marketplace. Apprenticeship is a proven solution for recruiting, training, and retaining the best talent for the industry.

Apprenticeship Phases

Hawkeye’s competency-based Commercial Truck Driver Registered Apprenticeship has three phases designed to ensure a well-rounded professional driver using a combination of classroom instruction (related training), hands-on driving with simulators and actual trucks, and on-the-job-learning with an employer sponsor.

Phase 1: Commercial Driver’s License Training

During Phase 1, apprentices will complete approximately 240 hours of related training in order to meet the competencies required in Phase 1.

Phase 1 Topics

• Obtain Commercial Learner Permit
• Driver Basics
• Shifting
• Simulator driving and shifting
• Backing
• Pre-trip and hours of service
• Safety
• Docking
• Parking — 45-degree and 90-degree
• Coupling, cargo securement, shipping papers, trip planning
• Prepare and test for Commercial Driver’s License

Phase 2: Driver Finishing Program

In Phase 2 the apprentice will gain more driving experience while working one-on-one with a trainer.

This phase of training includes a minimum of 240 hours of driving instruction/over-the-road experience.

Apprentices must obtain 70% or higher on their job skills evaluation in order to move onto the final phase of training.

Phase 3: Driver Development Program/Fleet Experience

In phase 3, the final phase, apprentices will enter the driver development phase where they will work with a specially trained fleet manager who will continue to provide feedback and coaching for at least an hour per week during the first year of the apprenticeship.

Apprentices will also complete six hours of instructor-led safety training and at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job-learning solo driving.

Requirements

• Apprentices are required to participate in on-the-job learning in the occupation or industry of their training.

• Sponsor/employer must ensure apprentices experience various work processes and identify a methodology to track progress.

• Apprentices must receive training from a qualified professional.

• Attendance is required

• Total On-the-Job-Learning program minimum: 2,240 hours

Getting Started

For more information or to register for the Commercial Truck Driver Registered Apprenticeship program, contact the transportation manager.