Graduate Qualifications - Jump Start Programs
PIA’s Jump Start CDL-A Program prepares students for new careers in the road transportation industry. Program graduates qualify for entry-level employment upon obtaining their Class A CDL (Commercial Driver’s License). They also obtain a diploma upon graduation stating they have attended the program.
Students receive a total of 160 hours of instruction which includes both classroom theory and road and range skills. Students are able to test for air brake, triples and doubles, tank, and hazmat endorsements after their first week in the classroom. Classroom concepts include:
- Securing cargo
- Transporting hazardous materials
- Regulations affecting the industry
- Inspection, repair, and maintenance
- Map reading and trip planning
- Defensive driving
- Logbook entries
Techniques and maneuvers taught during the road and range portion include:
- Pre-trip inspections
- Straight line and serpentine backing
- Driving in urban and rural environments
- Fuel conservation methods
- Parking the vehicle
- Coupling and uncoupling trailers
These techniques and maneuvers are demonstrated, and each student is given the opportunity to practice them on a tractor/semi-trailer prior to CDL testing.
PIA’s Jump Start Heavy Equipment Operator Program is designed to train students in the safe and correct operation of heavy equipment in a variety of construction/excavation settings. Program graduates obtain a diploma and are qualified for entry-level positions in the construction/excavating field.
Students receive 160 hours of instruction which includes 24 hours of theory instruction and 136 hours of simulated worksite training. Training takes place both in the classroom and on the practice range, and it increases in difficulty as the student advances through the course. This intensive training method allows students to gain valuable skill sets in an accelerated learning format.
Basic and advanced operating techniques are taught for the following construction and excavating equipment:
- Bulldozers
- Skid steers
- Backhoes
- Excavators
- Transit
The course also highlights the following worksite procedures:
- Daily inspection procedures
- Probing and detection of utilities
- Utility damage prevention and backfilling techniques
- Grading techniques, including fine grading and compaction
- Trench shoring and digging
- Soil management techniques
- Material stockpiling techniques
At the conclusion of the training process, students must demonstrate competency in the operation of each piece of machinery. The proficiency test is designed to conform to industry standards of safe and suitable operation methods and techniques.
