COLUMBIA − Central Region Job Centers held a commercial drivers license (CDL) training recruitment event at the Columbia Job Center on Wednesday for those interested in earning their Class A license.
The event marked the beginning steps of the training process. Attendees filled out paperwork and learned information regarding some of the work they could possibly be doing as truck drivers.
“We do these orientations to help provide information about what it means to be a CDL driver, the expectations that the employers are going to have of them as new drivers, what they’re going to experience out on the road, and some of the pitfalls that can effect them,” Patricia Rogers with the Missouri Job Center said.
This event comes at a time where truck drivers are at a national shortage. According to an article from the American Journal of Transportation, “more than 80,000 drivers are needed to make up a shortage in America this year.” Long-haul truck driving was the focus for the type of drivers they were looking for at the event.
“I informed the group this morning, if they’re looking for that higher income, the income that’s going to be at the highest level, then the over-the-road truck driving is going to offer that,” Rogers said.
After filling out paperwork, the next step is to schedule an appointment to come back to the Columbia Job Center and find out grant eligibility to help pay for the training. The average cost of training is $5,000 and a grant can either cut the cost in half or cover it entirely.
“People may want to get a CDL and they may want to work a better job and do some driving, but can’t afford it,” grant coordinator James Thompson said. “So with the grant opportunity it allows those people who may not necessarily be able to afford it to be able to pay for the class.”
Once a grant is determined, those involved can determine where they will attend training. The options include Moberly Area Community College, State Fair Community College and Clement Truck Driving Academy.
Trainings last four weeks for a total of 160 hours. At MACC, the next training is expected to begin on Jan. 4, 2024.
“As long as you can just stay focused during those four weeks then the reward is you’ve got a CDL and you can kickstart your career,” Thompson said.
Central Region Job Centers also held a similar event in Jefferson City on Wednesday. They will do the same in Lebanon and Rolla on Thursday.
To find out more about the CDL training programs, visit the Central Workforce Development Region’s website.
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