DeSantis Announces Millions for CDL Training and Apprenticeship Programs: ‘You’re Not Gonna End Up $100,000 in Debt’
NICEVILLE (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $8.2 million would be invested to expand commercial driver’s license training at five colleges in Florida.
“This is something that is going to make a huge impact on opportunity. We’re happy that there was a great response to what we’ve already done,” DeSantis said. “We’re happy that there’s a lot of people that see the value in pursuing this line of work.”
DeSantis said CDL training capacity will be increased by at least 1,200 students per year.
“In Florida, over the past three years we have made significant investments into workforce education, with an emphasis on trucking and the entire transportation industry. With today’s announcements, we have now increased our CDL training capacity at state institutions from less than 1,000 prior to 2019 to more than 3,500. These investments are driving the growth of our rural communities and state as a whole.”
Here is the breakdown:
– Broward College to receive $2.6 million for 250 additional students each year
– Northwest Florida State College to receive $1.5 million for 250 additional students each year
– Valencia College $1.3 million to train 200 additional students each year
– Daytona State College (Volusia County) to receive $1.3 million for 200 additional students
– State College of Florida to receive more than $1 million to expand to 300 students a year
“We’re now going to have almost 3,500 students that we’re going to be able to produce every year in the state of Florida,” he explained.
The governor is awarding almost $12 million to start or expand 40 registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs including truck driving, electricians, and more. The money comes through a variety of sources including Florida’s DOE’s Pathways to Career and Opportunities Grant. It will work to provide 3,200 apprenticeships and support more than 50 businesses during the year.
“The best way to learn is to do and so I’m a big believer in apprenticeships,” DeSantis said.
“We already know that a traditional university path is not for every student, and thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis, students now have a variety of options to get on the road in a new career,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “With the Governor’s continued support, our state colleges are perfectly positioned to meet industry demand and advance Florida’s economic independence and prosperity.”
“The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is proud to support Governor DeSantis in his ongoing commitment to investing in workforce development and training initiatives in high-demand industries,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “Nearly everything we depend on in daily life is made possible through the trucking industry, and these strategic investments will positively impact hardworking Floridians, the trucking industry, and the state’s economy, while also ensuring that Florida is number one in workforce development by 2030.”
“Florida is a critical link in our nation’s supply chain, and the demand is soaring for Commercial Driver’s License holders,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “With the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and our education partners, the CareerSource Florida network is honored to help connect Floridians with the vital training needed for careers in transportation and logistics.”
“Commercial vehicle drivers are a backbone of our economy and crucial to our continued economic growth,” said CareerSource Okaloosa Walton Executive Director Michelle Burns. “We are blessed to be able to increase our support for this industry and thank Governor DeSantis for his support for our region and this vital industry.”
