Opelika, AL – Southern Union State Community College’s Technical Education and Workforce Development Division is offering a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program exclusively for women, aimed at removing barriers to workforce entry and meeting the growing demand for truck drivers.
With a goal to provide short-term training opportunities for women under a certain income level and help reengage them in the workforce, the first cohort began in February, and a second cohort is scheduled to begin in May, with registration open during March and April. The six-week program is offered at no cost to participants and meets Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Participants must meet WIOA requirements and hold a valid driver’s license with no violations on their driving record. In addition to CDL training, the program provides resume development and job placement assistance, with the ultimate goal of ensuring participants leave the program employed.
“There is a huge demand for truck drivers, and women are significantly underrepresented in this field,” said Tyler Nelson, Director of Workforce Development at Southern Union. “Starting salaries can reach $50,000, making this a strong career pathway for women seeking financial stability.”
“We noticed barriers for women that prevented them from entering the workforce, so this program allows us to directly address those barriers,” Nelson said.
The program is made possible through a grant from the Women’s Foundation of Alabama. Grant funding also covers childcare assistance and some transportation costs, helping participants focus on completing the program successfully.
Women interested in registering for the upcoming cohort should contact Nelson at tnelson@suscc.edu for more information.
