{"id":17986,"date":"2026-02-25T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/?p=17986"},"modified":"2026-02-24T18:27:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T23:27:33","slug":"mountain-gateway-and-virginia-western-community-colleges-partner-to-expand-cdl-training","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/2026\/02\/25\/mountain-gateway-and-virginia-western-community-colleges-partner-to-expand-cdl-training\/","title":{"rendered":"Mountain Gateway and Virginia Western Community Colleges partner to expand CDL training"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_2-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"Participants in Tuesday's signing ceremony gather around the Mountain Gateway training vehicle outside the STEM Building at Virginia Western. Pictured behind the wheel is Dorothy Hayslett, Commercial Driver's License Program Head at Mountain Gateway. Courtesy of Mountain Gateway Community College.\" class=\"wp-image-17983\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_2-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_2-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_2-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_2.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Participants in Tuesday&#8217;s signing ceremony gather around the Mountain Gateway training vehicle outside the STEM Building at Virginia Western. Pictured behind the wheel is Dorothy Hayslett, Commercial Driver&#8217;s License Program Head at Mountain Gateway. Courtesy of Mountain Gateway Community College.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Virginia Western and Mountain Gateway Community Colleges held an event Tuesday, February 24, to celebrate a Commercial Driver&#8217;s License collaboration. Here is a joint news release from the two institutions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u202fMountain Gateway Community College and Virginia Western Community College have formalized a strategic partnership to enhance Commercial Driver&#8217;s License instruction and regional workforce readiness. An official signing on Tuesday, February 24, by Dr. John J. Rainone, President of MGCC, and Dr. Laura J. Treanor, President of Virginia Western, solidified the collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. David Dor\u00e9, Virginia Community College System Chancellor, has called for community colleges to forge institutional partnerships that&nbsp;optimize&nbsp;resources and expand high-demand workforce programs. This initiative responds directly to that challenge and sets a precedent for efficient, high-quality workforce education.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Local Access to Premier Instruction<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_3-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"Mountain Gateway Community College provides the experienced instructors and curriculum management required for Class A CDL tractor-trailer licensure. Courtesy of Mountain Gateway Community College.\" class=\"wp-image-17984\" style=\"width:400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_3-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_3-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_3-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_3-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_3.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mountain Gateway Community College provides the experienced instructors and curriculum management required for Class A CDL tractor-trailer licensure. Courtesy of Mountain Gateway Community College.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The partnership allows Virginia Western students to&nbsp;benefit&nbsp;from MGCC&#8217;s established CDL&nbsp;expertise&nbsp;and proven curriculum. The program is designed for maximum efficiency:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hybrid format: Students complete self-paced coursework online and receive behind-the-wheel instruction\u00a0based out of\u00a0the Roanoke region.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expert\u00a0oversight: MGCC provides the experienced instructors and curriculum management\u00a0required\u00a0for\u00a0Class A CDL\u00a0tractor-trailer licensure.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Financial\u00a0support: Qualifying Virginia residents may access state-funded grants to cover program costs.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This collegiate partnership builds upon MGCC&#8217;s reputation as a pivotal resource for the public sector in the Alleghany Highlands. MGCC continues to provide customized CDL training solutions tailored to the operational and safety requirements of municipal, state, and other government entities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Addressing a Critical Workforce Shortage<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is currently an acute need for skilled drivers in the Roanoke and Alleghany Highlands regions. According to the National Transportation Institute, the average age of a professional driver has reached 54, with more than&nbsp;300,000 drivers&nbsp;sidelined annually due to retirement and health issues.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_4-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"There is currently an acute need for skilled drivers in the Roanoke and Alleghany Highlands regions. Here, a Mountain Gateway Community College instructor demonstrates parts of a training vehicle for Class A CDL tractor-trailer licensure. Courtesy of Mountain Gateway Community College.\" class=\"wp-image-17985\" style=\"width:400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_4-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_4-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_4-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_4-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_4.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">There is currently an acute need for skilled drivers in the Roanoke and Alleghany Highlands regions. Here, a Mountain Gateway Community College instructor demonstrates parts of a training vehicle for Class A CDL tractor-trailer licensure. Courtesy of Mountain Gateway Community College.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Professional drivers earn a median annual salary of $52,868, according to&nbsp;Lightcast&nbsp;data.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;The CDL Program partnership with Mountain Gateway Community College is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together to serve our students and our industry partners,&#8221; said Dr. Laura J. Treanor, President of Virginia Western Community College. &#8220;Together, we are providing a fast&nbsp;track to stable, high-paying careers for our residents and meeting the urgent hiring needs of the Roanoke workforce.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the partnership addresses immediate hiring needs in Roanoke, it also serves a broader economic purpose by streamlining how the state&#8217;s educational resources are&nbsp;utilized.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;By collaborating across college lines,&nbsp;we are maximizing the Commonwealth&#8217;s investment while providing a direct pipeline to high-wage careers,&#8221; said Dr. John J. Rainone, President of Mountain Gateway Community College. &#8220;Our expertise in CDL instruction, combined with Virginia Western&#8217;s local reach, creates a seamless pathway for students to enter a critical industry.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Get Started Close to Home<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Alleghany Highlands and Rockbridge County regions, students or organizations interested in CDL training or partnership opportunities should contact the Workforce Solutions team at (540) 863-2899, or email <a href=\"mailto:rjennings@mgcc.edu\">rjennings@mgcc.edu<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Roanoke region, enrollment is now open for the cohort beginning\u00a0March 12, 2026,\u00a0at Virginia Western. High demand is\u00a0anticipated. Registration will remain open until\u00a0March\u00a05, 2026, or until spots are filled.\u00a0Additional\u00a0opportunities\u00a0to start the program\u00a0will be available each month\u00a0throughout\u00a0the year.\u00a0Prospective students are encouraged to visit The Enrollment Center in Chapman Hall, email <a href=\"mailto:enroll@virginiawestern.edu\">enroll@virginiawestern.edu<\/a>, or call\u00a0(855) 874-8890\u00a0for more information.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Mountain Gateway Community College and Virginia Western Community College signed an agreement on Tuesday, Feb. 24, to enhance Commercial Driver's License instruction and regional workforce readiness. Pictured are (from left): Dr. Ben Worth, Vice President for Academic Affairs with Mountain Gateway (standing); Dr. John Rainone, President of Mountain Gateway (seated); Dr. Laura J. Treanor, President of Virginia Western (seated); and Dr. Elizabeth Wilmer, Vice President of Academic and Workforce Solutions with Virginia Western. Courtesy of Virginia Western Community College.\" class=\"wp-image-17982\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/02\/CDL_Signing_1-1500x1000.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mountain Gateway Community College and Virginia Western Community College signed an agreement on Tuesday, Feb. 24, to enhance Commercial Driver&#8217;s License instruction and regional workforce readiness. Pictured are (from left): Dr. Ben Worth, Vice President for Academic Affairs with Mountain Gateway (standing); Dr. John Rainone, President of Mountain Gateway (seated); Dr. Laura J. Treanor, President of Virginia Western (seated); and Dr. Elizabeth Wilmer, Vice President of Academic and Workforce Solutions with Virginia Western. Courtesy of Virginia Western Community College.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mountain Gateway Community College and Virginia Western Community College have formalized a strategic partnership to enhance Commercial Driver\u2019s License instruction and regional workforce readiness. An official signing on Tuesday, February 24, by Dr. John J. Rainone, President of MGCC, and Dr. Laura J. Treanor, President of Virginia Western, solidified the collaboration.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. David Dor\u00e9, Virginia Community College System Chancellor, has called for community colleges to forge institutional partnerships that\u00a0optimize\u00a0resources and expand high-demand workforce programs. This initiative responds directly to that challenge and sets a precedent for efficient, high-quality workforce education. <a class=\"continue\" href=\"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/2026\/02\/25\/mountain-gateway-and-virginia-western-community-colleges-partner-to-expand-cdl-training\/\">Continue Reading<span> Mountain Gateway and Virginia Western Community Colleges partner to expand CDL training<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":81,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17986","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-campus-news"],"featured_image_src":null,"author_info":{"display_name":"Erica Myatt","author_link":"https:\/\/www.virginiawestern.edu\/news\/author\/emyatt\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Mountain Gateway and Virginia Western Community Colleges partner to expand CDL training - 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