The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is taking a significant step toward addressing the state’s truck driver shortage by awarding $468,255 in grants to train 260 new commercial drivers. This initiative comes as Wisconsin faces an ongoing demand for truck drivers, with over 6,000 job openings posted annually on the Job Center of Wisconsin website. As of late April 2025, more than 500 truck driving positions remained unfilled statewide.
DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek emphasized the critical need for skilled drivers, stating, “These training grants will help meet demand and provide trainees the opportunity to gain jobs with family-sustaining wages.” According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in Wisconsin is about $56,000, making the profession a viable career path for many workers.
The grants were awarded to 17 organizations across 13 counties under the state’s Commercial Driver Training Grant program. This program is designed to reimburse up to half the training costs per student, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $30,000, and a maximum of $3,000 per trainee. By easing financial barriers, the program aims to make CDL training more accessible and accelerate entry into the trucking workforce.
Several institutions received notable awards. Rock Gate Capital in Milwaukee County and Fox Valley Technical College in Outagamie County each secured nearly $30,000 to train about a dozen students. Rob Behnke, director of truck driving programs at Fox Valley, highlighted that these grants help reduce cost and training time barriers, making trucking careers more accessible without compromising on quality education.
Grants of $30,000 were also allocated to Elexco Inc. in Seymour for tanker-endorsed CDL training, Chippewa Valley Technical College Foundation in Eau Claire to train 22 students, and Dark Horse CDL School in Winnebago County for 12 students. In Waukesha County, three sites received funding, including Next Level CDL Institute in Butler, Visu-Sewer for Class B training, and Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) in Pewaukee. WCTC aims to graduate over 100 professional drivers this academic year alone, following a successful track record of 320 graduates over the past three years.
Additional recipients included Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, awarded $30,000 to train 30 drivers at its Merrill CDL Training Center, and two Dane County organizations: Frank Beverage Group and Watco Companies, supporting operational needs in local and regional distribution.
This strategic investment not only helps alleviate the truck driver shortage but also supports Wisconsin’s broader economic infrastructure by ensuring that freight and goods can continue moving efficiently across the state. As demand for trucking services grows, initiatives like these CDL training grants are vital for building a stronger, future-ready workforce.
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