Pittsburgh — January 10th, 2024 – Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania today announced open enrollment for an innovative program, through their YouthWorks program, aimed at transforming the prospects of Allegheny County young adults, aged 18-24. In addition to undertaking the nationwide school bus and truck driver shortage, this initiative, the Commercial Drivers License, or CDL Program, is designed to address the critical need for job readiness, skills development, and employment opportunities for these young adults in the community.
“Through this program, Goodwill is simultaneously jump-starting an effort to revive the truck-driving industry in Southwest Pennsylvania and solve the bus driver shortage, as well as providing employment opportunities to Allegheny County young adults,” said Monique McIntosh, President and CEO of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
The truck driver shortage has not only had a profound impact on the nation, but on the commonwealth of Pennsylvania as well. The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association estimates that in 2023, there was a shortage of approximately 4,000 truck drivers statewide. Goodwill’s CDL program specifically targets this underrepresented age group (18-24 year olds). The program assists young adults in finding employment within the industry
Not only does Pennsylvania struggle with a statewide truck driver shortage, but a lack of school bus drivers as well. In 2023, there were nearly 3,500 unfilled school bus driver positions in the state. With more and more bus routes being canceled because of this shortage, many students and their families are unfairly being forced to find alternate forms of transportation. This past September, the 4,700-student Pittsburgh-area Baldwin-Whitehall school district experienced its own schedule disruption when a bus driver shortage forced it to cancel two consecutive days of classes after around 150 students were left without a ride to school.
“There is a tremendous need for CDL Drivers in today’s job market,” said Tiffanee Heywood, Director of YouthWorks at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. “This impactful training program provides the skills and credentials young people can use immediately to gain employment, and provides a weekly stipend for the individuals while in training.”
The CDL Program offers the Class A license training course at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Boyce Campus, spanning a period of approximately 8 weeks. Participants gain experience truck driving and receive access to comprehensive soft skills training. Notably, successful program completion guarantees a Class A Commercial Driver’s License, as well as a paid work opportunity through YouthWorks program. This program provides personalized support to learn more about industry terminology & career opportunities, master interview skills, and establish direct connections with local employers. With a focus on job readiness, participants receive guidance for successful job searches and maintain employment. Additionally, YouthWorks offers transportation assistance, employment services, financial literacy guidance, and follow up support. To be eligible, one must be 18-24, a resident of Allegheny County, have a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License, and be out of school. High school diplomas or GEDs are not required for eligibility.
“Goodwill gave me the stepping stones I needed to further my education and career in commercial truck driving,” added Kyah Dillard-Smart, a CDL Program graduate and current employee at Hogan Personnel. “Thanks to them I now have a full-time job on the road doing what I love!”
The Commercial Driver’s License Program’s curriculum begins with training for the Knowledge Test, mandatory for obtaining a CDL permit. The subsequent weeks immerse participants in practice maneuvering the trucks, becoming acclimated to the vehicles, and preparation for the skills road test necessary to obtain a Class A CDL. This program not only opens doors to immediate employment but also offers a career path, with opportunities for advancement in responsibility, complete with added benefits. The program is free to the Allegheny County public and incentivizes young adults to participate with a promised stipend throughout the course. Additionally, the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) prerequisite testing is paid for by Goodwill. This ensures program accessibility to a diverse range of economic backgrounds.
Those interested in enrolling or learning more can call 412-632-1742 or email cassandra.confer@goodwillswpa.org.
The CDL Program is made possible by the YouthWorks Initiative launched in 1994 by the Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. YouthWorks empowers Pittsburgh-area youth, particularly from disadvantaged communities, to unlock their full potential through career-building experiences and opportunities, fostering social and economic upward mobility for over 23,000 young individuals in southwestern Pennsylvania. Since its creation 2 years ago, the CDL program has grown and highlights the need for more career readiness programs catered to young adults.