Developed by Conexus Indiana in partnership with the Indiana Motor Truck Association (IMTA), Venture Logistics, and Ivy Tech, and with an initial grant from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD), the CDL + program elevates the quality of training for new commercial trucks to operate while removing historical financial barriers to entry.

This is the first CDL program eligible for federal student loans, which required both state and federal legislation and approval from the US Department of Education. The state is also working to ensure that CDL + is eligible for Workforce Ready grants.

“The shortage of truck drivers has been a pervasive problem for years, and was only magnified by COVID-19, which has resulted in a significant increase in online shopping,” said Bryce Carpenter, vice president of the industry commitment to Conexus Indiana. “In response to this continuing and growing critical need, Conexus Indiana worked with its network of logistics industry leaders to identify the barriers.

“It quickly became apparent that students were held back by the cost of obtaining a certificate and that companies were spending an enormous amount of time and money training drivers before they could get to work. The CDL + program addresses all of these barriers.

CDL + is a 17 credit hour certificate that can be completed in one semester. Students will have 160 hours of training, which prepares them to become holders of a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The program includes 121 hours of operational observation, 30 hours of driving skills development, an internship eight-week logistics and transportation overview that includes all types of trucking operations, including intermodal processes. Emphasis is also placed on professionalism and customer service.

“Ivy Tech’s primary mission is to provide students across the state with access to an education that prepares them for rewarding careers,” said Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech. “With guidance from our industry partners, we have designed a program that removes financial barriers for students, gives them study credits for future career development, and provides a ready-to-go workforce. work for trucking companies.

“This is both a big step forward for Hoosiers who want a career in the logistics industry and for our industry partners who want to hire qualified drivers. “

Venture Logistics is one of several logistics companies who have contributed their knowledge and expertise to the development of the program and are committed to ensuring the success of students who earn a CDL + certificate.

“Venture Logistics’ support for the CDL + program is another great example of how Indiana State trucking professionals are working together to promote programs that create opportunities for Hoosiers,” said Greg Eddy, president of Venture Logistics. “Using best practices from the safest companies in the industry, we’ve helped create a program for men and women to launch a new career. “

The American Trucking Association predicts that freight volumes are expected to increase by 36% over the next decade. During the same period, the trucking industry will need to hire approximately 1.1 million new drivers to meet demand.

Additionally, the movement of goods is a critical part of national supply chains, with more than 70% of the $ 650 billion in goods that flow through Indiana every day on state highways.