Project
Driving Futures: Empowering Tribal Communities through CDL Training... (2024)
Driving Futures: Empowering Tribal Communities through CDL Training... (2024)
United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) is committed to empowering tribal communities through workforce development initiatives focused on Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training and infrastructure sustainability. By offering comprehensive, hands-on training in Commercial Vehicle Operations (CVO) and Heavy Equipment Operations (HEO), UTTC equips students with in-demand skills that support economic mobility and community self-sufficiency.
The CVO program is designed to develop well-rounded commercial drivers with strong competencies in truck safety, driving techniques, and specialized endorsements including passenger and school bus operations. Students engage in both classroom instruction and supervised behind-the-wheel training to build practical experience in vehicle handling, local navigation, and road test preparation. This training directly supports critical transportation needs in tribal regions, where CDL holders are essential for public transit, school systems, and freight logistics.
UTTC’s HEO program complements this effort by preparing students for careers in construction and infrastructure development. Through immersive instruction and field-based experience at the college’s on-campus training site, students learn to operate seven types of heavy equipment used in roadwork, site development, and utility installation. The curriculum also includes training in equipment maintenance, introductory welding, and certifications in OSHA 10 and First Aid/CPR—ensuring graduates meet current industry safety and competency standards.
Through strong partnerships with local construction and transportation sectors, UTTC ensures its programs remain aligned with real-world labor demands. These efforts not only strengthen tribal infrastructure and public services but also create sustainable career pathways for Native students. Together, the CVO and HEO programs form a CDL Training Hub model that supports tribal sovereignty through workforce readiness and long-term infrastructure resilience.
Heavy Equipment Operations
United Tribes Technical College
3315 University Drive
Bismarck, ND 58504
Phone: (701)221-1571
Email: mmastel@uttc.edu