Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mar. 14, 2025
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

DWD Awards 17 Businesses and Organizations Commercial Driver Training Grants

Grants fund businesses and organizations that offer training for in-demand occupation

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today announced $468,255 in grants to 17 businesses and organizations in 13 counties across the state to increase the number of people with a Commercial Driver License (CDL) in Wisconsin. The Commercial Driver Training Grant program helps grantees develop innovative local and regional solutions that meet workforce needs for this in-demand occupation.

These grants, administered by DWD's Office of Skills Development, will help Wisconsin-based businesses and organizations deliver CDL training to 260 people. The Commercial Driver Training Grant program aims to boost the number of CDL license holders in Wisconsin, provide trainees with jobs that provide a sustainable wage, and meet demands for one of the state's in-demand occupations. There are currently more than 500 job postings on the Job Center of Wisconsin website, and about 6,000 of these positions are posted annually.

"As a leading 'hot job' in Wisconsin there is high demand for skilled drivers to fill positions across our state," said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. "These training grants will help meet demand and provide trainees the opportunity to gain jobs with family-sustaining wages."

The annual median wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is $50,110 according to Wisconomy.com.

The program reimburses the cost of training students for a CDL with awards of $10,000 to $30,000 and can be used to offset 50% of the training costs for each trainee, or $3,000, whichever is less.

The $468,255 in CDL grant awards support the following training:

Chippewa Valley Technical College Foundation Inc. in Eau Claire County, $30,000 to train to 22 people.
Dark Horse CDL School in Winnebago County, $30,000 to provide CDL training to 12 people.
ECO CST Services LLC in Walworth County, $23,000 to provide 10 people Class A or B CDL training.
Elexco Inc. in Outagamie County received $30,000, 11 people to obtain their CDL license, with a tanker endorsement, needed by the company for its operations.
Fox Valley Technical College in Outagamie County, $28,470 for CDL Class A training for 12 people.
Frank Beverage Group in Dane County, $30,000 to train 10 people in Class A CDL, to meet the demands of its operations in 19 counties.
Kickapoo Valley CDL Training LLC in Vernon County, $30,000 for Class A CDL training for 24 people.
Next Level CDL Institute LLC in Waukesha County, $30,000 to train 10 people in CDL Class A or B.
Northcentral Technical College in Marathon County, $30,000 to provide Class A CDL training to 30 people at its CDL Training Center in Merrill and area small business sites.
Rock Gate Capital LLC in Milwaukee County, $29,700 to train 12 people.
Skinner Driven CDL Commercial Training LLC in Sauk County, $27,500 to provide CDL Class A, B, and hazmat training to 10 people.
The CMV Tutor LLC in La Crosse County, $30,000 to provide CDL Class A and B instruction to 10 trainees.
Veriha Trucking Inc. in Marinette County, $29,750 to provide 13 people with CDL Class A training.
Visu-Sewer LLC in Waukesha County, $16,576 to train eight people in CDL Class B.
Watco Companies LLC in Dane County, $13,259 to train seven team members in CDL Class A.
Waukesha County Area Technical College District in Waukesha County, $30,000 to provide Class A training to 48 students.
Wisconsin Operating Engineers Skill and Apprenticeship Fund in Waushara County, $30,000 to provide CDL training to 11 trainees.

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.