Work at Southwest Truck Driver Training
Southwest Truck Driver Training is a family-owned CDL school with campuses in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. The school has been training commercial drivers since 1999, and the people behind that work matter as much as the programs themselves.
When Southwest employees are asked what makes this school different, the answer is always the same: the people and the environment. That is not a tagline. It is the standard the school has held since Gary P. Williams founded it, and Sean and Travis Williams continue today. Thisshapes who gets hired.
Open Positions
Phoenix Campus
Tucson Campus
What Southwest Truck Driver Training Looks For
Southwest is a second-generation, family-owned school. It is not a franchise or some large coporation. Decisions are made by people who are invested in the school and in the students it trains.
The school’s philosophy is posted at every campus:
Our student is the most important person on the campus. Not a cold enrollment statistic, but a flesh and blood human being with thoughts and emotions like our own. Not someone to be tolerated so that we can do our thing.
You are our thing.
Not dependent on us.
Rather, we are dependent on you.
Without you, there would be no need for us.
That standard extends to how staff are selected. Southwest looks for people who fit that philosophy before anything else. Experience matters. Character matters more.
CDL Instructor Roles
Instructors are the core of Southwest Truck Driver Training. The job combines real commercial driving experience with the responsibility of guiding adult students through one of the most important career decisions of their lives.
Southwest instructors are home daily. Instructors work on-campus at the Phoenix or Tucson location and do not travel routes. For experienced drivers who want off the road without leaving the industry, it is a strong fit.
What Southwest looks for in a CDL instructor:
- A valid Class A CDL with a clean commercial driving record
- At least three years of experience operating commercial vehicles
- The ability to teach, communicate clearly, and lead adult learners with patience
- A genuine interest in student success
- Alignment with Southwest’s values: loyalty, integrity, and respect
Many of Southwest’s instructors are military veterans. Candidates with a military background are encouraged to apply.
Meet the Instructors
The instructors at Southwest Truck Driver Training come from the road. They know the job from the inside, and that is exactly what makes them effective in the classroom and on the range. Here is a look at what brought three of them to Southwest and what keeps them here, and the type of team we cultivate at Southwest Truck Driver Training.
Demetrio — From Driver to Instructor
Demetrio did not plan to become an instructor. He planned to drive. But at some point on the road, he realized that the knowledge he had built was worth passing on. In this video, he talks about what made him step into the teaching role, the advice he gives to every new student, and why helping people get their CDL means as much to him as it does to them.
Jorge — Why the Program Works
Jorge has seen what good training does for a student. In this video, he talks about what he enjoys most about teaching at Southwest, what his experience here has looked like, and why he believes the program gives students the preparation they need to succeed on the road and in their careers.
Operations and Support Roles
Southwest also hires for roles in admissions, business development, student services, and campus administration. These positions support students and instructors and keep both campuses running well.
The school looks for staff who bring the same values into non-instructional roles: honesty, reliability, and a genuine interest in helping people succeed.
Apply to Join the Southwest Team
Candidates can submit a general application below. Applications are reviewed by campus leadership and responded to directly.
For questions about specific openings, contact:
General inquiries: [email protected]
Call Us
(833) 464-0768Visit Us
1230 W Glenn St,Tucson, AZ 85705
Call Us
(833) 464-0743Visit Us
2323 51st AvePhoenix, AZ 85043
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Southwest Truck Driver Training hire CDL instructors without prior teaching experience?
Yes. Southwest considers candidates with strong commercial driving backgrounds and clear communication skills. Teaching experience is helpful but not required to apply.
Do CDL instructors at Southwest need a specific license?
Yes. Instructors working with Class A CDL students must hold a valid Class A CDL with no manual restriction. Southwest can provide guidance on any additional certifications required for the specific role.
Is this a home-daily position?
Generally, yes. Instructors and staff work on-campus at the Phoenix or Tucson location. The only time instructors will travel is when we do training for businesses.
Does Southwest Truck Driver Training hire military veterans?
Yes. Southwest actively welcomes veterans and has a strong veteran presence on its instructional staff. Military experience is valued throughout the organization.
What does the hiring process look like?
Applications are reviewed by campus leadership. Qualified candidates are contacted directly for an interview. The process typically takes about a week.
What qualities does Southwest look for in a CDL instructor?
Southwest looks for a clean commercial driving record, real-world industry experience, and the ability to work patiently with adult learners. Character and alignment with the school’s values matter as much as credentials.