Notice: The following locations will be closed for in-person services on 1/23/2026 due to inclement weather:

- Racine County Job Center, 1717 Taylor Ave., Racine, WI 53403; Contact Information: 888-258-9966

- Moraine Park Technical College, 2200 Green Tree Rd, West Bend, WI 53090; Contact Information: 608-261-0050

Please contact the above numbers for further information on phone or virtual appointments.

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  2. Employment & Training
  3. Apprenticeship
  4. Transportation
  5. Professional Truck Driver

Professional Truck Driver

Professional CDL Heavy Truck Drivers safely and efficiently transport goods and materials to designated destinations. They operate commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers, box trucks, or other specified vehicles. Over-the-Road (OTR) long haul opportunities exist, but most Wisconsin trucking companies operate strictly local and regional routes allowing for more time at home.

Training at a Glance

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Time to Complete

1
Year

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On the Job Time

2000
Hours

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Paid Related Instruction Time*

230
Hours**
**72 hours if driver already possesses a valid CDL

Additional Training

  1. The apprentice must possess or obtain their CDL prior to, or within the first three (3) months of the apprenticeship program.
  2. If the apprentice does not initially possess a CDL, they can earn their CDL by successfully completing "Commercial Truck Driving CDL Behind the Wheel Contract Training Program" (160 hours - 4 Credits) at a WTC during the first three months of the apprenticeship.
  3. The apprentice must also complete the following paid related instruction at a technical college during the apprenticeship.
    1. Commercial Driver’s License On-line Theory: 24 hours
    2. One additional week of employer customized on-site training at a WTC: 40 hours
    3. Transition to Trainer course at a WTC: 8 hours
O*Net Online logo and link to more information on this trade

More Information on: Skills, Education, Tools, and Workplace Conditions

* Apprentices are paid regular hourly wages during the Paid Related Instruction time in the classroom

Wisconsin Employment Outlook & Wages**

Job Outlook through 2026 in Wisconsin

N/A

Experienced Level Salary***

N/A

* * Wisconsin Long Term Occupation Employment Projections, 2016-2026 (Statewide). Office of Economic Advisors, WI Department of Workforce Development, December 2018. & US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics, estimates May 2017. Reports can be viewed on DWD's premiere source for Labor Market Information, WisConomy.com.

* * * Average (mean) annual salary earned by the upper two-thirds of all workers in the selected location, occupation, and industry. Actual salaries will vary by employer and other factors.



Contact Information

Learn About Other Apprenticeship Opportunities

(608) 733-3930

(608) 266-0766 (Fax)

apprenticeship@dwd.wisconsin.gov

201 E. Washington Ave.
PO Box 7972
Madison, WI 53703