Coastal Bend College and ECS offer free CDL classes for driving
In an exciting development for those interested in pursuing a career in truck driving, a groundbreaking partnership has emerged, offering a pathway to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) without the financial burden typically associated with such training. This initiative, a collaboration between the Education Service Center‘s Crossroads Program and Coastal Bend College, aims to address the critical shortage of CDL drivers locally and nationwide by providing free CDL classes to interested students for truck driving.
Historically, the cost of CDL training could run into thousands of dollars, a significant barrier for many aspiring truck drivers. However, this new partnership eliminates this hurdle, providing an invaluable opportunity for individuals looking to enter the trucking industry. Braden Reed, Coastal Bend College’s director of workforce development and continuing education, highlighted the significant impact this program is poised to have on the local and statewide trucking industry. Reed pointed out the visible demand for CDL drivers in community, regional, and rural areas, underscored by the prevalence of ‘now hiring’ signs.
According to the American Trucking Association, the trucking industry is a critical component of the American economy, with an estimated shortage of 60,000 drivers nationwide. In Texas alone, the trucking industry comprises around 200,000 drivers. This shortage represents not just a gap in the workforce but also a bottleneck in the supply chain, affecting the movement of goods and, consequently, the economy at large.
Reed emphasized the importance of addressing local and state needs for essential jobs, stating that the collaboration to offer free CDL classes was a strategic decision to fulfill these needs. The initiative expects to bolster the local economy by providing community members with the training to secure employment in the trucking industry, supporting the statewide economy.
Trucks are pivotal in Texas’ economy, moving approximately 2.2 million tons of goods daily. Despite its crucial role, the trucking profession has often been overlooked. Irene Ramos, adult education program manager for the Education Service Center-Region 2, stressed the importance of facilitating access to careers in this essential field, which is foundational for local and statewide economic growth.
Ramos underscored the commitment to supporting students throughout their training, including financial support for tuition, to ensure the strength of the Coastal Bend region and the state of Texas as a whole. This comprehensive support system is designed to remove barriers for students and enable them to complete their training and enter the workforce successfully.
The partnership between Coastal Bend College and the Education Service Center’s Crossroads Program represents a significant step forward in addressing the shortage of CDL drivers in Texas and nationwide. By providing free CDL classes, this initiative opens up new opportunities for individuals to pursue a career in trucking, an industry essential to the movement of goods and the economy’s overall health.
For those interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, further information on the CDL classes can be obtained by contacting the phone number or visiting the designated website. This initiative not only offers a pathway to a rewarding career but also contributes to the economic vitality of Texas, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing workforce shortages and supporting community development.