Iowa has launched a groundbreaking initiative to tackle the pressing demand for skilled truck drivers. Recognizing the vital role truck drivers play in the supply chain, Governor Kim Reynolds announced the Iowa Entry-Level Driver Training Program. This program aims to remove barriers and expand opportunities for individuals seeking to obtain their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Iowa, addressing a critical need in the transportation industry. This innovative approach prompts a broader discussion: what additional training should be provided to new drivers to ensure safety and competence on the road?
“Truck drivers are the backbone of our economy, ensuring goods reach every corner of our state and nation,” stated Gov. Reynolds. “Like many other states, Iowa faces a significant demand for qualified truck drivers. To meet this demand, we must implement creative solutions that make it easier for people to pursue a CDL and support the organizations that provide essential training.”
The Iowa Entry-Level Driver Training Program commits $6 million to support employers, nonprofits, and related organizations that sponsor or partner in training programs designed to prepare aspiring drivers for CDL skills and knowledge tests. By alleviating the financial burdens associated with CDL training, the grant program seeks to cultivate a larger pool of licensed CDL drivers throughout Iowa.
Beth Townsend, Director of Iowa Workforce Development, highlighted the dual benefits of the program: “The Entry-Level Driver Training Program not only creates more pathways to obtain a CDL but also simplifies the process for employers to recruit and train their own drivers. This initiative enhances Iowa’s competitiveness in high-demand sectors by enabling employers to offer timely and relevant training to their workforce.”
This initiative arrives on the heels of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandate, which necessitates new drivers to complete additional training beyond the standard CDL requirements. Traditional CDL training can be expensive and access may be limited, creating hurdles for individuals seeking to enter or advance within the profession, despite the escalating demand for drivers. It is important to note that all training providers and drivers in Iowa must adhere to all Federal driving standards as stipulated under the ELDT program.
Grant funding from the Iowa Entry-Level Driver Training Program will offer reimbursements to eligible Iowa organizations that deliver these crucial training programs, either in-house or through collaborations with certified training providers. For in-house programs, reimbursement can cover instructor salaries, curriculum resources, and maintenance costs. For programs utilizing external training providers, reimbursement is allocated towards Entry-Level Driver Training program tuition fees.
Eligibility and Funding Details:
Eligible applicants for the program include Iowa-based employers, employer consortiums, and non-profit organizations that employ Iowa CDL drivers and offer Entry-Level Driver Training, either internally or in partnership with certified third-party training providers.
Funds are disbursed as reimbursements after training certification is documented and a CDL exam is completed within 30 days of a participant’s training commencement (the first day of either behind-the-wheel or theory instruction).
Application Information:
Applications are being accepted at IowaGrants.gov starting Tuesday, December 13, 2022, with a deadline of Friday, February 3, 2023, at 11:59 AM.
This Iowa Entry-Level Driver Training Program serves as a model for how states can proactively address the driver shortage by investing in comprehensive training and removing financial obstacles. By focusing on providing robust entry-level training, similar to the nurturing and supportive environments found in quality child care programs that foster early development, Iowa is investing in the future of its transportation workforce and ensuring safer, more efficient supply chains. This initiative underscores the importance of well-structured, accessible training programs to cultivate a skilled and safe driving workforce.
