MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) encourages training providers to apply for a new grant that seeks to increase the number of people holding a Commercial Driver License (CDL) in Wisconsin. Providers must apply by Nov. 21, 2024, to be considered for funding.

This grant is administered by DWD’s Office of Skills Development, which helps businesses, schools, and other Wisconsin-based organizations develop innovative local and regional solutions that meet area workforce needs. The Commercial Driver Training Grant program reimburses the cost of training students for a CDL with awards of $10,000 to $30,000 and can be used to offset 50% of the training costs for each trainee, or $3,000, whichever is less. Funds in this competitive grant will be awarded to training providers from at least one application in each Workforce Development Area across Wisconsin.

“The heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver occupation is in high demand and is the leading ‘hot job’ in Wisconsin. In addition, long-term growth in this occupation is above the state average and earnings are higher than the state’s median wage,” said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. “With this grant, we’ll be able to better meet the demand for skilled drivers and provide residents opportunity to train for a job with family-sustaining wages.”

The goal of this program is to increase the number of Wisconsin residents across the state who obtain a CDL license, provide trainees with jobs providing a sustainable wage, and meet demands for one of the state’s in-demand occupations. There are currently more than 500 job postings on Job Center of Wisconsin and each year about 6,000 of these positions are posted.

This grant is open to trainers who meet the following qualifications:

●  Trainer is listed on the federal Training Provider Registry.

●  Trainer operates in Wisconsin and trains Wisconsin residents.

●  Trainer provides training that meets federal Entry-Level Driver Training requirements.

Find additional details in the Grant Program Announcement:

●  Eligible applicants: Training providers

●  Deadline to Apply: 3 p.m. CST on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024

●  Award Amounts: Grant awards range from $10,000 to $30,000

Interested businesses are encouraged to learn more about other worker training programs available through DWD’s Office of Skill Development, including the Wisconsin Fast Forward grant program.