Skip main navigation

Outdated or Unsupported Browser Detected
DWD's website uses the latest technology. This makes our site faster and easier to use across all devices. Unfortunatley, your browser is out of date and is not supported. An update is not required, but it is strongly recommended to improve your browsing experience. To update Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge visit their website.

  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

calendar icon

Time to Complete

1
Year

clock icon

On the Job Time

2000
Hours

instruction icon

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

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