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(Des Moines, IA) -- The State of Iowa's launching an Entry-Level Driver Training Program to provide more opportunities for interested truck drivers to get a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Iowa.
“Truck drivers play such a critical role in meeting our supply chain demands-- ‘If you got it, a truck driver brought it’. Like the rest of the nation, Iowa, too, has a high demand for truck drivers; and in order to meet that demand, we need innovative solutions that reduce barriers for anyone interested in obtaining a CDL license,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “This new program will break down barriers that currently exist for obtaining a CDL and provide support to organizations who sponsor these critical training opportunities right here in Iowa.”
The program provides $6 millions in grants to help employers, nonprofits, or related organizations sponsor or partner on CDL training programs .
“The Entry-Level Driver Training Program provides more opportunities to obtain a CDL, but it also makes it easier for employers to recruit and train their own drivers,” said Beth Townsend, Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “This effort will also make our state more competitive in these high-demand fields by helping employers offer the right training when and where their workers need it.”
Applications will be accepted at IowaGrants.gov beginning on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 and are due on Friday, February 3, 2023, at 11:59 AM. (Note: IowaGrants.gov will undergo scheduled website maintenance and will be unavailable December 2-12)
- Visit this link for more information on the grant, its requirements, and the application process.
- A webinar will take place on December 13 at 3:00 PM to provide more information on the grant and a Q&A session. Interested employers are encouraged to participate (Registration link).