To address surging regional demand for commercial drivers and eliminate training backlogs, Virginia Western Community College is expanding its Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training capacity through a new strategic partnership with Ancora Training. The initiative expands upon the College’s ongoing partnership with Mountain Gateway Community College established earlier this year, giving local students immediate access to more training slots, flexible scheduling options and new credential pathways.
Virginia Western’s expanded model incorporates new accelerated Class A and Class B options through Ancora Training. The dual-partner strategy reflects Virginia Western’s commitment to providing high-quality instruction while rapidly expanding student capacity across the Roanoke region. “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. “By partnering with a trusted training leader like Ancora Training, we can now offer immediate training seats, accelerated completion options in as little as three to four weeks, and opportunities for qualifying students to attend at low cost or no cost out of pocket.”
Three flexible training pathways
Virginia Western now provides tailored tracks to match student career goals, whether seeking regional long-haul roles or local daily driving positions. All training, regardless of educational partner, is provided in the Roanoke/Salem area:
Fast-Track Class A CDL powered by Ancora Training:
- 100% in-person, 160-hour accelerated training on modern automatic transmission tractor-trailers.
- Completed in as little as 4 weeks (day track) or 8 weeks (evening/weekend tracks).
- Upfront Department of Transportation physicals and drug screenings are fully managed and funded directly through the program.
Accelerated Class B CDL powered by Ancora Training:
- 100% in-person, 120-hour program for heavy straight vehicles, including delivery trucks, dump trucks, box trucks, and local utility fleets.
- Job-ready in 3 to 4 weeks with flexible day, evening, or weekend options — ideal for drivers seeking daily home time.
Hybrid Class A CDL in partnership with Mountain Gateway Community College:
- Combines self-paced online theory modules with flexible behind-the-wheel driving instruction on manual transmission equipment.
- Earn an unrestricted Class A license while studying around current work or family commitments over several months.
Customized solutions for municipalities and businesses
In addition to individual student enrollment, Virginia Western also offers customized contract training programs tailored specifically for local government agencies, public works departments, utility providers, and private fleets. To help employers address critical driver shortages within their existing workforces, training can be conducted using Virginia Western’s fleet equipment or directly on an employer’s own vehicles. Dedicated cohort schedules and targeted curriculum packages are available to streamline onboarding and credentialing for organizational staff. Entities interested in learning more about contract training programs are encouraged to reach out to Administrative Officer for Training Solutions Regina Cook at rcook@virginiawestern.edu or call (540) 205-4723.
Upcoming class start dates
Enrollment is open for upcoming autumn cohorts:
- Fast-Track Class A CDL powered by Ancora Training, day track: Two upcoming starts, October 19 and November 9 (Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
- Fast-Track Class B CDL powered by Ancora Training, weekend track: Starts October 31 (Saturday–Sunday, 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
- Fast-Track Class A CDL powered by Ancora Training, weekend track: Starts November 28 (Saturday–Sunday, 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
- Hybrid Class A CDL in partnership with Mountain Gateway Community College: Monthly weekend orientations available
Low cost/no cost options
Funding may be available for qualified Virginia residents in all three CDL pathways. For some students, out-of-pocket tuition could be $0. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the Enrollment Center on the Virginia Western campus, email enroll@virginiawestern.edu, or call (540) 857-6076 for more information.
