Celebrating 12 Years of Success: Inside the ATDS and Compton Adult School Partnership

For more than a decade, America Truck Driving School (ATDS) and Compton Adult School have worked together to help students launch stable, rewarding careers in the trucking industry. What began as a small pilot program has grown into one of the most successful CDL training partnerships in Southern California — achieving an impressive 86% job placement rate this year alone.

Here’s the story behind the partnership, what makes the program unique, and how ATDS continues to support graduates long after they earn their CDL.

How the Partnership Began

Twelve years ago, the then-principal of Compton Adult School noticed ATDS signage along the 91 freeway and made a phone call that would change the school’s career training landscape. He reached out to ask whether ATDS would be interested in partnering to bring a CDL program directly to Compton Adult School students — and the answer was a resounding yes.

What started with only a handful of students and one or two small classes a year has expanded into five to six fully enrolled classes annually, each filled with students eager to build a future in trucking. The program has grown steadily thanks to community demand, strong student outcomes, and the shared commitment between ATDS and Compton Adult School to provide meaningful workforce training.

What Makes This CDL Program Unique

This program stands out for several reasons, but one of the biggest advantages is speed and accessibility. Students can complete their training and earn their CDL — and be job-ready — in as little as five weeks.

Another major benefit is that the program is offered through an adult school approved for WIOA funding (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act). This gives eligible students the ability to receive full financial coverage for their CDL program.

Not all truck driving schools have access to WIOA funds, making this a rare and valuable opportunity for students who want to pursue a new career but may not have the financial resources to pay for training out of pocket. By removing the burden of tuition, students are able to focus fully on learning, practicing, and preparing for employment — not worrying about how to pay for it.

What Drove an 86% Job Placement Rate This Year

Reaching an 86% placement rate doesn’t happen by accident. ATDS attributes this success to consistent, thoughtful efforts in two key areas:

1. Strengthening Employer Relationships

Every three months, ATDS updates and cleans its job list — removing inactive employers and reinforcing relationships with companies that consistently hire entry-level drivers. Consistent follow-up ensures that hiring partners stay engaged and ready to welcome new graduates.

2. Staying Connected to Students

Once students get their CDL and start working, it can be difficult to reach them. Maintaining strong relationships throughout training helps ATDS stay connected long after graduation. This connection makes it easier to collect employment information, track success rates, and support students who need help finding their first job.

How ATDS Supports Students on Their Path to Employment

Career support starts early — even before students earn their CDL.

During the training program, students attend two recruiter presentations from major carriers: Melton Truck Lines and May Trucking. Hearing directly from recruiters motivates students, gives them realistic expectations about the industry, and gets them excited about their future careers.

ATDS also provides each student with a curated job list that is updated every three months and includes companies actively hiring new drivers with little or no experience. After graduation, ATDS continues to follow up with students every quarter to track employment progress and offer additional support if needed.

Looking Ahead: Goals for the Future

The goal moving forward is simple:
Continue achieving high job placement rates and help even more students begin long-term careers in trucking.

ATDS hopes to expand the program, serve more students, and strengthen partnerships with local employers — ensuring every student has the opportunity to start their career on the right foot.