Turning Your Passion for Driving into a Career: Leveraging Workforce Grants for CDL Training
Have you always dreamed of becoming a Class A truck driver? If so, you’re not alone. With the help of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and its associated workforce grants, you can turn your passion for driving into a career. This blog post will explain how to leverage these grants to get the CDL training you need to become a professional driver.
What are Workforce Grants?
Workforce grants are financial assistance programs that are designed to provide qualifying individuals with the funding they need to pursue education and training in specific industries. These grants are often offered through government agencies or nonprofit organizations and are aimed at helping individuals overcome financial barriers to obtaining the skills and credentials necessary for employment.
In the context of becoming a Class A truck driver, workforce grants can be used to fund CDL training. CDL stands for Commercial Driver’s License, and it is required to operate large commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers and semi-trucks. CDL training is typically offered by specialized truck driving schools, where students learn the necessary skills and knowledge to operate commercial vehicles safely and efficiently.
The Benefits of Pursuing a Career as a Class A Truck Driver
A career as a Class A truck driver offers numerous benefits and opportunities for those who are passionate about driving. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Job Stability: The demand for Class A truck drivers remains high, making it a stable and secure career choice. As long as there is a need for goods to be transported, there will be a need for skilled truck drivers.
- Competitive Salary: Class A truck drivers can earn a competitive salary, especially with experience and additional endorsements. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $62,764* per year *.
- Independence and Flexibility: As a truck driver, you have the freedom to travel and explore different parts of the country while working. You can enjoy the open road and experience new places along the way.
- Opportunity for Advancement: Starting as a Class A truck driver opens the door to various career advancement opportunities. You can move up to become a driver trainer, dispatcher, fleet manager, or even start your own trucking business.
How to Find Workforce Grant Opportunities for CDL Training
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a Class A truck driver and want to utilize workforce grants to fund your CDL training, you may be wondering how to find these grant opportunities. Here are some steps to help you in your search:
- Research Government Agencies: Start by looking into government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. These agencies often administer workforce grants and provide information about eligibility criteria and application processes. Visit their websites or contact them directly to inquire about available grants for CDL training.
- Explore Nonprofit Organizations: Many nonprofit organizations also offer workforce grants for vocational training, including CDL programs. Research organizations that focus on career development and job training, as they may have grant opportunities specifically tailored to individuals pursuing a career as a truck driver.
- Connect with Workforce Development Centers: Workforce development centers, also known as career centers, are dedicated to helping individuals find employment and training opportunities. These centers can provide guidance on available grants and help you navigate the application process. Reach out to your local workforce development center to learn about grant opportunities for CDL training.
- Network with Industry Professionals: Connect with experienced truck drivers, CDL instructors, or professionals in the trucking industry. They may have information or insights about workforce grants that are not widely advertised. Networking can also open doors to mentorship opportunities and valuable advice for pursuing CDL training.
- Stay Updated on Grant Deadlines: Workforce grants often have application deadlines, so it’s important to stay updated on when these opportunities become available. Subscribe to newsletters, follow relevant organizations on social media, or set up Google alerts to receive notifications about grant opportunities.
Applying for Workforce Grants
Applying for workforce grants to fund your CDL training is an important step in turning your passion for driving into a career as a Class A truck driver. To begin the application process, you will need to gather the necessary information and follow these steps:
- Research Eligibility Criteria: Each workforce grant program may have specific eligibility criteria that you must meet. This could include factors such as age, income level, educational background, or employment status. Take the time to thoroughly research and understand the requirements for each grant you are interested in.
- Gather Required Documentation: Workforce grants typically require supporting documentation to verify your eligibility. This may include identification documents, proof of residency, income verification, or previous educational transcripts. Make sure to gather all the necessary paperwork before starting your application.
- Complete the Application: Once you have all the required documentation, you can begin filling out the application forms. Take your time and provide accurate and detailed information. Pay attention to any deadlines and make sure to submit your application on time.
- Follow Up and Stay Informed: After submitting your application, it’s important to follow up and stay informed about the status of your application. Keep track of any communication from the grant program and promptly respond to any requests for additional information.
Choosing the Right CDL Training Program
Choosing the right CDL training program is a crucial step in your journey towards becoming a Class A truck driver. With numerous truck driving schools and training programs available, it’s important to carefully evaluate your options to ensure you receive the best education and training. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a CDL training program:
- Reputation: It is essential to find a truck driving school that has established themselves as a reliable and respected entity in the business. Look to see how long the school has been in business and how many people have graduated their program. Check out their social media accounts to see if they have happy graduates and always check the online reviews about the school.
- Curriculum and Training Methods: Review the curriculum and training methods offered by the school. A comprehensive program should include both classroom instruction and hands-on training. It should cover all the essential skills and knowledge needed to pass the CDL exam and become a skilled truck driver. The school should also be ELDT compliant.
- Experienced Instructors: Inquire about the qualifications and experience of the instructors. Experienced instructors who have a background in the trucking industry can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout your training.
- Equipment and Facilities: Visit the school and assess the equipment and facilities. The school should have well-maintained trucks and up-to-date training materials to provide a realistic learning environment.
- Job Placement Assistance: Research if the school offers job placement assistance after completing the training program. Having support in finding employment opportunities can significantly enhance your chances of starting a successful career as a truck driver.
Workforce Grant Success Stories
Byron D.
I am happy to say I’m a Roadmaster success story out of Phoenix. My wife and I went to truck driving school there in April 2022. Prior to that, we had an upholstery shop that supported us, but when Covid hit our business went down fast. My wife had always talked about wanting to be truck drivers, so we decided to try it. We were able to get funding through the WIOA program and went to Roadmaster the week after I graduated.
I got a job working for May Trucking Company. My wife took a little longer to get her CDL than I did, so I went to work. She came on board with me and we teamed for a while but decided we could make more money with two trucks so now she has her own truck at May Trucking Company and I have mine and it’s working out awesome!
After working for about 14 months now I’m on a fleet and running 11 to 13,000 miles a month. With bonuses, I make about. $6000 a month. We’re looking to buy a house somewhere around Corning, California. Things couldn’t be better. It takes a lot of dedication to be a truck driver. We have pretty much been living in our trucks since we started, but it’s pretty cool being able to see the country and get paid for it, it’s not just a living it’s definitely a lifestyle.
Roadmaster was a huge part of making all this happen. I am so thankful that I went there and the people that helped me get my CDL and my job. I used to tell Devin, School, Manager, in Phoenix, that I was going to be the poster child for Roadmaster. In reality that might not be true but in my mind it is.
Bryon D.
Kenyada G.
Before trucking, I worked as a barber. Job security, benefits, and pay motivated me to switch jobs. I have my hazmat and tanker endorsements. I do mobile fueling, and it’s been a nice thing to learn how things work in this industry.
I’ve gained knowledge to place with the opportunity to go to the next level as an owner-operator, and my pay is good. Plus, I get paid weekly.
I’d like to thank the workforce for the opportunity and my advisor. Also, the great staff at Roadmaster.