Those looking to gain employment or change careers may have a clear pathway to doing just that via a free-of-charge training program offered by the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
The CDL – or commercial driver’s license – training program is 100 percent federally funded and is most beneficial for the unemployed or underemployed – those not having enough paid work or who are not doing work to make full use of their abilities. The LWC checks to verify if applicants are eligible for the program: each individual must be within 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which determines eligibility for certain welfare benefits.
Applicants must be 18 years of age, pass a drug-screening, have a clear driving record and a valid driver’s license to participate. Veterans receive priority service.
Once eligibility is verified, the LWC will send the participant to training and cover the costs of the program, which also includes books and anything else necessary for the curriculum. Scott estimated that total usually amounts to approximately $6,000.
The current economic landscape spurred the commission to begin the program.
“Lots of business are struggling right now … hospitality, so on and so forth,” said Tommy Scott, executive director of the LWC’s River Parishes Business and Career Solutions Center. “But, at the same time, there is a huge demand in transportation, in transit, in delivery … there are so many opportunities available once someone secured that CDL license. I think it will be extremely beneficial to residents in our region.”
There are several different routes one can take to complete the program in terms of scheduling. One option includes classes for four weeks, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Another option, a six-week program, runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each weekday. A third option sees weekend-only classes, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., spanning eight weekends.
“And we can do things to customize the training availability for each individual,” Scott said.”
It may not take long once one completes the training to find the work they seek. Scott notes the training providers LWC is working with have job placement services and work with numerous contractors and companies looking for individuals who have completed the training. The commission also offers job placement services as well.
“Our goal is to train residents of St. Charles Parish to ensure they have the tools necessary to be as appealing as possible to employers looking to fill vacancies,” Scott said. “It’s really win-win across the board. We train our residents, place them with companies and those companies are able to enhance their workforce. At the same time, we’re also strengthening the competency and employment rate for individuals within out parish and offering a path for them to obtain lucrative career opportunities.”
It’s one of many services and programs the LWC coordinates. Another current effort is a work experience program for locals, 18-24 years old, that will take place in the summer. LWC is accepting applications for that. Scott said this program has been very successful in the past and that it’s led to many finding long-term employment, with LWC connecting participants with potential employers.
Scott added the LWC is anticipating funding for a disaster grant that will enable it to employ residents to assist in Hurricane Ida recovery efforts, paying a salary for those eligible to participate.
Anyone interested in these programs or learning more may call the LWC at (985) 783-5030. One may sign up or pre-apply for a program at laworks.net.
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