Ready to head out on a new adventure? Have you ever thought about becoming a commercial truck driver? You may ask yourself, what does it take to get the required license to drive a truck? You’ll need to get a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) to practice driving on public roads.

Take the first step towards a new career by enrolling in Moraine Park’s CDL Learner’s Permit Exam Prep class. You will meet face to face with an instructor who will guide you through the requirements to obtain your Commercial Learners Permit in as little as a week. Our 15 hour classroom course will introduce you to the trucking industry, familiarize you with the different written exams, background and medical information, and prepare you to pass the required knowledge exam whether you plan to apply for a CLASS A, B, or C license. Once you are issued a Commercial Learners Permit, you may operate a commercial motor vehicle as indicated on your permit with another person licensed to drive the same type of vehicle.

If you have a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record, Moraine Park Technical College can help you take that first step towards a truck driving career.

Make an investment in your future today. In as little as one week, we can prepare you to pass the knowledge exam.  Get started by enrolling in the August or September class.

Monday – Thursday, August 12-15, 2019
5:30 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
Fond du Lac Campus, Room O-108
CRN 20873

Monday – Thursday, September 30-October 3, 2019
5:30 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
Jackson Regional Center, Room JX-113
CRN 20874

To register, please call 1-800-472-4554. For questions, please contact Laurie at lbarz@morainepark.edu or visit https://www.morainepark.edu/programs-and-courses/certifications-and-licensure/.

Disclaimer: Moraine Park does not provide vehicles to practice on.

Jerod Splan of Iron Ridge is a student unlike any other. He was born completely deaf, but it is clear that he has the determination to face any challenge on this path. As a student in the automotive program, Jerod has spent the past 2-years perfecting his life-long passion.

“I’ve been around cars all my life,” Jerod said. “My Dad and Grandfather both enjoy working on cars as a hobby. I knew from a young age that this was my life calling.”

Jerod is a 2008 graduate from Lomira High School, and after graduation, he enrolled at Moraine Park in the CNC/Tool & Die program at Moraine Park. He enjoyed the program, and learned a lot, but couldn’t deny that his mind always drifted to back to automotive. So, Jerod enrolled at Moraine Park again in 2016. He came into the program already familiar with cars and the automotive industry but was looking to build upon those skills.

“The program gives a good introduction to the industry,” he said. “I’ve learned the right way to do things and how to perform my job safely. My instructors Jim, Frank, Craig, and Tim are great. I’ve learned a lot.”

In fact, for the automotive instructors, Jerod was their first deaf student, offering learning opportunities all around, such as introducing deaf culture, visual aids, and supplying a videophone to call customers.

“Moraine Park has worked hard to accommodate my learning,” Jerod said. “I’ve had my interpreter, Tammy, by my side daily, and the learning is very visual. English is not my first language, American Sign Language (ASL) is, but I’ve found the transition to learning here to be very easy.”

There’s no denying that Moraine Park is working to fill employment gaps in the industry, but there is also an overall goal to make sure learning is possible for all who aspire to earn it. Of course, Jerod didn’t stop with just utilizing the classroom, he also involved himself in student life.

“Jerod has brought such a fun dynamic to the student life department,” Sam Saeger, student involvement specialist said. “He has made the most of his college experience by joining student senate, attending conferences, and being a part of the Automotive Club. ”

Jerod can be found around Fond du Lac’s campus, participating in activities or simply enjoying the company of his friends at the College.

“I’ve enjoyed meeting new people,” he said. “I’ve made some great friendships, and have been given opportunities to grow.”

Jerod will be graduating on May 18 with his automotive technician associate degree.

“I’m proud that I have faced the challenges,” Jerod said. “I could have been afraid or have hidden, but instead I embraced it. I have been given many opportunities and am happy with my experience at Moraine Park.”

morainepark.edu

I’d like you to meet Nathan Zielieke, an Automotive Tech student at MPTC. Nathan gave me a helping hand, literally, at Kwik Trip a few weeks back, and I feel he deserves positive recognition for his good deed!

Let’s just say I MAY have been quite a bit overdue for an oil change when I happened to see him leaving the store asked him “How far over is TOO far overdue?” Without hesitation, Nathan asked, “Would you like me to check your oil level?” I declined at first, but he kindly insisted and I’m glad he did!

He pointed out “Your oil should really be up to this line on the stick, and it’s way down here, you should probably go into the store and buy a quart. I’ll come in with you.”

Nathan didn’t stop there, he proceeded to put the oil in – cupping his hand in place of a funnel. What an upstanding citizen and all around nice guy!

When I asked Nathan how he became interested in cars and working on them, his face lit up, “I’ve been working in the shop, tearing down engines and restoring old cars with my dad and grandpa since before I could walk. My dad and I keep my grandpa’s old cars running and bring them to car shows. I haven’t missed the Iola Car Show and Swap Meet since I was six.”

“Right now I’m working on turning the first car my dad bought at age 11 into a drag racing car, it’s a 1958 Ford Custom 300. I’m also restoring a 1984 F350 and getting a 65 F250 running. I can fix anything that has an engine 4-wheelers, boats, lawnmowers, snowmobiles, dirt-bikes, you name it.”

I asked Nathan about his time here at Moraine Park and what his future holds he said, “I like it here, I enjoy the instructors, the real-life experiences and all the joking around. I work in a shop in Fond du Lac right now, but after I graduate next year, I want to find a job in restoration. Someday, I want to own a shop restoring old cars – nothing beats a classic.”

Thank you, Nathan, for being such a great guy- and for using your Moraine Park skills for those in need!

morainepark.edu/automotive-technician

Like to drive, want to see the country? Having a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Learners Permit can help you gain a new career in the trucking industry.  

Be ready to go.

The demand for truck drivers is increasing. Driving a school bus, passenger vehicle, dump truck, freight carrying truck, or being licensed to tow a double or triple trailer could be yours, but you must first pass the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) knowledge exam and obtain your CDL Commercial Learners Permit (CLP). Whether you want to drive statewide, regionally, across the country or stay close to home, passing the CDL knowledge exam is the first step to a new career.

Are you independent, hardworking, adventurous and love a challenge? Want to explore America? If you answered yes, then becoming a trucker may be right for you.

If you have a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record, Moraine Park Technical College can help you take that first step towards a career driving. Our 15 hour classroom course, will introduce you to the trucking industry, familiarize you with the different written exams, background and medical information and prepare you to pass the CDL knowledge exam required whether you plan to apply for a CLASS A, B or C license.

Once you pass the CDL knowledge exam you will be issued a Commercial Learners Permit. You may operate a commercial motor vehicle as indicated on your permit with another person licensed to drive the same type of vehicle.

Make an investment in your future today. In as little as one week, we can prepare you to pass the knowledge exam.  Get started by enrolling in the March or April class.

March 11-14
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (5:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 only)
Fond du Lac Campus, Room B-109
CRN 31155

or

April 8-11
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (5:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 only)
West Bend Campus, Room L-159
CRN 31156

Disclaimer: Moraine Park does not provide vehicles to practice on.

To register, please call 1-800-472-4554. For questions, please contact Laurie at lbarz@morainepark.edu or visit https://www.morainepark.edu/programs-and-courses/certifications-and-licensure/.

On Thursday, November 8, instructors and students from the MPTC Automotive Technology Programs, hosted teens in grades 5-12 and staff from the Boys and Girls Club of Fond du Lac and the Boys and Girls Club of the Tri-County Area for a fun two hour interactive Dream Big event.

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The weather is getting nicer (even in Wisconsin!) and there are more bikes on the road.  Motorists are asked to stay alert for bikes, but motorcyclists need to remember they are harder to see and ride accordingly.  The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) reminds riders that motorcycle safety starts with 5 = zero – 5 key points equals zero deaths on Wisconsin roadways.

Here are the five:
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Thinking about pulling your motorcycle or scooter out of storage? Or have you decided — finally —  to make this the summer you get out on the open road? Moraine Park Technical College’s Basic Rider courses offer a convenient way to learn to ride and obtain your license.

Class registration is now open, with available weekday morning and evening options, as well as weekend courses running now until the end of September. Attendees can complete the course in just one weekend or in four weekday courses.
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We love hearing from MPTC alumni!  Here, 1974 Alumni Don Charleston shares the interesting journey his career took after Moraine Park.  If you would like to share your MPTC alumni story, connect with us here!

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As you can see by the danger sign in the picture, high voltage is new to the automotive industry.

And here at Moraine Park Technical College, with advances in automotive technology and hybrid vehicles aging, we are exposing our students to hybrid and electric vehicle technology. 
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