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Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program at the Latino Academy of Workforce Development prepares participants to earn their Class A CDL and pursue in-demand careers in transportation and logistics.
About
More Than a CDL School
The RTTC is a workforce advancement model that uses transportation careers as a pathway to economic mobility while supporting regional employer workforce needs.
We don’t just train for a credential—we support the whole person from readiness to retention.
- People Focused
- Employer Aligned
- Career Driven
- Regionally Invested
The challenge
Why This Exists
The Workforce Challenge
3,000+ CDL-related job openings annually in Wisconsin
Aging transportation workforce
Employers struggle to find and retain qualified drivers
Transportation is essential to Wisconsin's economy
Barriers to Opportunity
Language and education gaps
Limited access to training and resources
Transportation and childcare challenges
Limited industry connections and exposure
Programs
Transportation programs
Closed for now · Next selection: spring 2027
Dane County Highway Department Internship
The Dane County Highway Department Internship is a paid, hands-on training opportunity designed to prepare participants for long-term employment in road maintenance and construction.
Coming soon · Enrolling for spring 2027
Forklift Certification
The Latino Academy’s Forklift Certification program equips participants with the skills and certification needed to safely operate a forklift in professional environments such as warehousing, construction, and manufacturing.
Impact
Our Impact
Creating lasting change for individuals, employers, and our region.
- 84+CDL Credentials Earned
- 56+Participants Placed in Employment
- $30/hrAverage Starting Wage
- 75%CDL Attainment Rate
- 70%Employment Placement Rate
Figures as published on the RTTC page of latinoacademywi.org. Retrieved in 2026.
View our impactOur Model
Our Workforce Advancement Model
A Structured Readiness-to-Retention Framework
- Readiness DevelopmentBuilding the foundation for success.
- Technical TrainingELDT-compliant CDL training and hands-on instruction.
- Human Skills DevelopmentBuilding confidence, communication, and workplace skills.
- Employer-Aligned TransitionConnecting to employers, preparing for interviews, and launching careers.
- Retention & AdvancementOngoing support for long-term success and career growth.
We walk alongside participants every step of the way.
Photos and videos
Inside the classes
Success stories
Featured Stories
- For Areli, joining the Latino Academy marked a turning point in her personal and professional journey. Through programs like CDL training, she discovered tools that helped her grow, gain confidence, and open doors she hadn’t imagined.
CDL PROGRAM
Areli
- Ever came to the Latino Academy with a clear vision for his future. He wanted more than just a job—he wanted a meaningful career and the tools to build lasting stability. Earning his Commercial Driver’s License wasn’t just a practical step; it was a personal challenge that required dedication, resilience, and belief in himself.
CDL PROGRAM
Ever
- In April 2025, Jason M. connected with the RTTC Team seeking a new beginning. Unemployed and navigating a career transition, Jason had a background in sales and marketing but was ready to pursue a more stable and mobile profession that could support his family. He set his sights on obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and starting a career in the trucking industry. After encountering financial and logistical barriers to accessing traditional CDL training programs, Jason was referred to the Latino Academy of Workforce Development’s CDL Program. He applied, was accepted, and began training in July 2025. From the start, Jason demonstrated initiative and determination. Latino Academy staff supported him every step of the way—assisting with resume and cover letter updates, streamlining paperwork, and providing personalized job search support. Jason was proactive throughout his training, researching employers and applying for jobs that aligned with his new career path. With the ongoing support of Latino Academy staff, he entered the job market with confidence and clarity about his goals. On July 19, 2025, Jason successfully earned his CDL Class A license, and shortly on August 11, 2025, secured a full-time Class A driving position with Future Foams, a company that recognized his potential and hired him to transport goods and furniture across Wisconsin. Today, Jason earns $26.00 per hour with full benefits. He describes his job as both fulfilling and liberating, allowing him to travel, stay active, and build a sustainable future for his family.
CDL PROGRAM
Jason
- Miriam began her CDL journey with a clear purpose: to advance in her career and build a better future for her family. Earning her license wasn’t just a professional milestone—it was a deeply personal goal. She committed fully to the training and preparation, knowing that success would mean greater stability and opportunity for the people who mattered most.
CDL PROGRAM
Miriam
- Timothy P. was referred to the Latino Academy of Workforce Development’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training Program by the laborer's union, having already earned several certifications in construction. Intrigued by the opportunity for long-term career growth, he enrolled in the CDL program in May 2025. Timothy approached the training with discipline and eagerness to learn. He demonstrated consistent commitment in the classroom as well as during hands-on driving practice, and in July 2025, Timothy successfully obtained his Commercial Driver’s License. Following his certification, Timothy received a job offer from Hasani Logistics, a regional employer seeking qualified drivers. He officially began working as an over-the-road (OTR) driver, averaging 60 hours per week. Timothy now earns $0.56 per mile, a competitive industry rate that allows him to provide for himself while building a career in a high-demand field. Timothy demonstrates how access to workforce training and strategic partnerships with employers can create real, lasting change.
CDL PROGRAM
Timothy
Strategic Partners
Stronger Together
Employers, community partners, and supporters play a vital role in building a skilled, diverse, and sustainable transportation workforce.
Employers
Access a pipeline of trained, job-ready talent.
Partners
Connect your clients and strengthen our community.
Supporters
Invest in people, families, and our regional economy.
Get Involved
Building workforce. Strengthening communities. Driving Wisconsin forward.
Call us
(608) 310-4573Write to us
rttc@latinoacademywi.org