CDL Students Take to the Road

In April 2023, the owner of T&J Towing & Hauling visited GST Michigan Works! Owosso Service Center seeking assistance to upskill his employee, Larry, for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to become a Wrecker Driver. Around the same time, Jordan, who had recently moved from Ohio to Michigan, came to us looking for help with tuition costs for a CDL-A program. Although Jordan already possessed a CDL-B, he needed support to take the next step in his career and connect with local employers.

Thanks to funding from a special CDL Demonstration grant, Larry and Jordan began their training together at Tri-Area Trucking on June 5, 2023. Remarkably, within four weeks, both completed their CDL-A training on June 30, 2023.

Upon completion, Larry was promoted from a General Laborer to a Wrecker Driver at T&J Towing & Hauling, earning an increase in pay. Not only did his hourly wage increase, but with his increased skillset, he is now able to work more hours than when he was only a general laborer. Meanwhile, Jordan secured employment with Emterra Environmental as a Driver, also earning a $5 per hour increase!

Both Larry and Jordan obtained their CDL Class A licenses through the State of Michigan, leading to full-time employment in their respective fields.

Jordan expressed his gratitude, stating, “I would like to give a huge thank you to GST MI Works! for being able to provide the aid for me to further my driving career. The whole process was very easy, and Heather was always willing to answer any questions or concerns I had throughout the process.”