ROANOKE — Virginia Western Community College is expanding its commercial driver’s license training programs through a new partnership with Ancora Training, adding accelerated Class A and Class B options to its existing CDL offerings.
The expansion comes as demand for commercial drivers continues across the region and follows Virginia Western’s partnership with Mountain Gateway Community College earlier this year.
The college now offers three CDL training pathways in the Roanoke-Salem area.
The new Class A program through Ancora Training is a 160-hour, in-person course using automatic-transmission tractor-trailers. The daytime program can be completed in as little as four weeks, while evening and weekend options take about eight weeks.
The Class B program is a 120-hour, in-person course for drivers of heavy straight vehicles, including delivery trucks, dump trucks, box trucks and local utility vehicles. The program can be completed in three to four weeks, with day, evening and weekend scheduling available.
Both Ancora programs include Department of Transportation physicals and drug screenings through the program.
Virginia Western also continues to offer a hybrid Class A program through its partnership with Mountain Gateway Community College. The program combines online theory instruction with behind-the-wheel training on manual-transmission equipment. Students can complete the program over several months and earn an unrestricted Class A license.
“Our priority is ensuring every student receives rigorous, safety-focused instruction that fits their real-life schedule and leads directly to employment,” said Amanda Decker, workforce solutions operations manager.
The college also provides contract CDL training for municipalities, public works departments, utility providers and private fleets. Training can be conducted using Virginia Western equipment or an employer’s vehicles, with customized schedules and curriculum available for organizations.
Upcoming classes include an Ancora Class A daytime program beginning Oct. 19 and another beginning Nov. 9. Classes will meet Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
An Ancora Class B weekend program begins Oct. 31, meeting Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. An Ancora Class A weekend program begins Nov. 28 with the same weekend schedule.
Monthly weekend orientations are available for the hybrid Class A program offered through Mountain Gateway Community College.
Financial assistance may be available to qualified Virginia residents enrolled in any of the three CDL pathways. Some students may qualify for funding that covers their tuition costs.
For information about enrollment, contact the Virginia Western Enrollment Center at [email protected] or 540-857-6076. Organizations interested in contract training can contact Regina Cook, administrative officer for training solutions, at [email protected] or 540-205-4723.
-The Salem Times-Register
