Illinois Pork Offers CDL Scholarship Program
As the U.S. truck driver shortage faces an all-time high, the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is finding ways to help. IPPA is organizing a scholarship program for applicants seeking to obtain or renew their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Illinois.
“A common issue pork producers continue to talk about is the difficulty they face in finding and retaining good labor both on farm and transportation support,” Thomas Titus, IPPA president, said in a release. “Now, more than ever, it is our association’s goal to help producers support and retain their employees."
Not only does IPPA want to help its producers, but they are also interested in recruiting the next generation of pork industry advocates, Titus said.
The CDL Class Scholarship is available for anyone looking to renew or acquire a CDL in Illinois. To qualify for the $1,000 scholarship, applicants must have a valid Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) certification or sign up for the class and they must also show proof that they haul pigs or feed for a producer located in Illinois, a release said.
Labor shortages are impacting all employment sectors. Now, the new stricter federal CDL requirements that were implemented on Feb. 7, now require entry-level drivers to successfully complete a prescribed program on theory and behind-the-wheel instruction prior to taking the CDL test.
"These additional requirements could also make an applicant’s overall costs increase," IPPA said in the release. "The goal of the scholarship program is to help incentivize more candidates to consider a career in trucking to help Illinois pork producers haul their livestock."
For questions about the program, email Mike Borgic at mike@ilpork.com or by phone at (217) 529-3100.
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