The demand for skilled truck drivers is consistently high across the United States. According to careeronestop.org, the industry employed over 2 million drivers in 2022, with a projected increase and numerous annual job openings. For individuals seeking a stable career path with good earning potential—annual wages ranging from $35,300 to $75,220—truck driving presents a compelling option. And for Choctaw tribal members, the Choctaw Nation Career Development Program offers a significant pathway to enter this in-demand profession.
Take Dylan Grant from Lebanon, Oklahoma, as a prime example. Grant leveraged the Choctaw Nation Career Development Program to pursue his dream of becoming a truck driver. The program facilitated his enrollment in a truck driving school, covering all necessary arrangements and connecting him with a local institution. Grant completed an intensive four-week, five-day-a-week course. Remarkably, within just ten days of finishing the program and obtaining his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Grant secured employment.
“The program took care of everything,” Grant explained, highlighting the comprehensive support he received. “Part of the course included submitting job applications, so we were prepared to enter the workforce immediately after getting our licenses.” His proactive approach, facilitated by the program, led to a quick job offer just a week after course completion.
Grant expresses deep gratitude for the Choctaw Nation Career Development Program’s role in shaping his career trajectory. Reflecting on his initial uncertainty after college, he stated, “At that time in my life, I didn’t really have any plans. College didn’t work out for me. They were helpful in suggesting things they could help me with. I thought truck driving sounded like something I could try and might fit me.” He emphasizes the pivotal role of the program, adding, “I definitely would not have done it if the Career Development had not been able to help me, though.”
His career progression since completing the program showcases the opportunities available in the trucking industry. Starting as an over-the-road (OTR) driver, Grant experienced cross-country routes from Southern California to New York in his initial months. He then transitioned to regional routes, first in Oklahoma and Texas, then expanding to the Midwest. Currently, he enjoys a more localized schedule driving within Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri, with occasional trips to Illinois or Wisconsin, all while operating round-trip from the Ardmore, Oklahoma distribution center and being home on weekends. As a company driver with an assigned truck, Grant confirms the current abundance of truck driving positions.
The Choctaw Nation Career Development Program empowers Choctaw tribal members nationwide to achieve similar success in the trucking industry. For those interested in obtaining a CDL and pursuing a career as a certified truck driver, this program provides crucial support and resources.
Comprehensive Career Support through the Choctaw Nation Career Development Program
The Choctaw Nation Career Development Program offers a holistic suite of services designed to guide and support tribal members in their career journeys. These services include personalized career guidance, aptitude and skills assessment testing, academic support to address any educational gaps, and, importantly, financial assistance to access high-quality training programs like truck driving school. The program also focuses on developing essential soft skills and providing employment services to ensure participants are well-prepared for the workforce.
The overarching mission of the Choctaw Nation Career Development Program is to empower Choctaw members to secure industry-recognized certifications and licenses that lead to self-sustaining careers. This, in turn, fosters personal financial stability, promotes healthy lifestyles, and contributes to the economic growth of the regional, state, and national levels. The program’s impact is significant, having assisted over 500 tribal members in obtaining their CDLs since its inception in April 2007. In 2023 alone, the program supported 80 tribal members in entering the truck driving profession. Jamie Hamil, Senior Manager of Career Development, highlights this success, stating, “Since our beginning in April 2007, the Career Development Program has successfully helped over 500 tribal members to obtain their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and go to work as a truck driver. In 2023 alone, we assisted 80 tribal members who have since gone to work in the field.”
Beyond truck driving, the Choctaw Nation Career Development Program also offers resources and support for various other career paths. They provide a video series covering crucial job search skills like application writing, networking, interview techniques, and creating effective cover letters. The program also offers insights into diverse professions such as optometry, nursing, pharmacy, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, electrical work, plumbing, nurse practitioner roles, and veterinary medicine.
Additional Training Opportunities through Employment Training Services
In addition to the Career Development Program, the Choctaw Nation also offers the Employment Training Services (ETS) program. This program provides similar support and financial assistance for training, including truck driving school, to eligible CDIB holders residing within the Choctaw Nation reservation’s service area. Importantly, ETS is open to members of any federally recognized tribe, not just Choctaw members, living within the designated service area.
Brianne Wilson, Program Coordinator II for the Employment Training Services Program, clarifies the program’s scope: “Employment Training Services can assist with the cost of tuition for many short-term trainings, including truck driving school. Any CDIB cardholder (member of any federally recognized tribe) that lives within the CNO reservation area can apply for ETS services.” Applicants for ETS are required to identify at least one barrier to employment in their application. Wilson also notes the synergy between the two programs, “Typically, if applicants qualify for both Career Development funding and ETS assistance, the cost of the CDL course is covered.”
The ETS program aims to equip adults with the necessary education, training, and support services to thrive in today’s job market. Eligibility criteria include being 18 years or older and attending an accredited educational institution.
Take the First Step Towards Your Trucking Career
For Choctaw tribal members nationwide and CDIB holders within the Choctaw Nation service area, these programs represent invaluable resources for launching or advancing careers in truck driving and other fields. To learn more about the Choctaw Nation Career Development Program, explore their program page and apply through the Chahta Achvffa portal. Stay updated by following their Facebook page. For information on the Employment Training Services program, visit their service webpage and apply via Chahta Achvffa. Don’t let anything hold you back from pursuing a rewarding career – explore the opportunities available through the Choctaw Nation today.
