MCC accepting students for CDL, meat processing courses beginning March 14

Individuals seeking training for a new career still have the opportunity to enroll at Miles Community College this spring. MCC's spring semester late start session will include the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Training program and the new Meat Processing Farm to Table Marketing course. The term begins Monday, March 14, and is the last chance to enroll before the Fall 2022 semester, as these courses will not be available over the summer.

Both have some components available via virtual delivery, providing flexibility to those in the area who may not be able to make it to the MCC Campus full-time.

The newly revised CDL training program is a 15-week, semester-long course. The 17-credit course includes classroom instruction, hands-on labs, behind-the-wheel driving time, hours of service, Compliance Safety and Accountability (CSA), and more. Some components of classroom instruction will be delivered via Zoom, providing students with the ability to complete portions of the course without being in Miles City. In-person attendance will be required for the behind-the-wheel portion of the course. On-campus housing may be available.

The MCC CDL Training Program is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) registered training program. The program will allow a student to be registered under FMCSA's Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandates, and to attempt all MVD tests related to receiving a Commercial Driver's License. Training for additional endorsements may also be available.

The new online Farm to Table Marketing course is designed as a component of the newer year-long Meat Processing Program, but can also be taken as an individual class and is completely virtual. Students will understand the role marketing plays to increase the reach and visibility of a processing operation, with subjects like supply and demand, price advantages, and how to define target markets. The course will also teach students to develop marketing plans with branding and social media management.

Interested students are encouraged to apply early, as limited seats are available. The CDL program has additional components that must be completed prior to enrollment, including a drug screening and DOT physical. Scholarship opportunities are available for the CDL program through the Southeastern Montana Development Corporation (SEMDC) and students can pick up application forms from the Financial Aid Office on the MCC campus.

For more information about the CDL Program, contact CDL Instructor Tyler Niedge at 406.874.6238 or niedget@milescc.edu, or visit http://www.milescc.edu/cdl. For more information about the Meat Processing or Farm to Table Marketing course, contact Tina Sackman at 406.874.6442 or sackmant@milescc.edu.