Robert and Jameson are two Steepletown workforce development participants who successfully completed their CDL training and are both now gainfully employed in the trucking industry. In early 2021 Robert was a high school graduate with a young child looking to gain training and employment that would help him support his family. Robert was recently unemployed and struggling to find reliable childcare. Steepletown was able to help Robert establish long term goals and enroll in a CDL training program. He was also assisted in finding suitable daycare which made it possible for him to get through the CDL training. Steepletown also had funds through its WIOA federal grant to pay for much needed car repairs that allowed Robert to safely transport his child to daycare and himself to training.
Robert obtained his CDL permit in June of 2021 and began CDL training in August of 2021 at FCG Truck Driving Training in Byron Center, Michigan. FCG trainers reported that Robert was “a quick learner, a natural” and Robert successfully completed the training in September 2021. Robert took a job at Melton Trucking based out of Oklahoma and quickly was driving “solo runs”. Robert has since taken a job at TJ Pant Trucking based out of Sturgis, Michigan to be closer to his family.
Jameson was referred by Robert, his longtime friend. Jameson’s journey began in November of 2021 when he came to Steepletown and expressed interest in the CDL training program to help support his family who had been devastated by the Covid 19 pandemic. He also wanted to support himself as a musician. Jameson felt that the CDL training would provide him the opportunity to become economically self-sufficient and the ability to take his musical talents on the road. Jameson passed his CDL permit exam in December of 2021 and began his training at FCG Truck Driving Training in February of 2022. Jameson did exceptionally well in the program and passed his CDL in March of 2022.
Jameson’s journey was not without challenges as he had a tire blow out on his way to training one day. However, thanks to the support of the WIOA funding, Jameson was able to purchase a new tire and he was back on the road quickly. Jameson expressed appreciation and gratitude for Steepletown and the WIOA funding, and felt a deep sense of pride at his accomplishment in finishing the training. Jameson, like Robert, accepted employment with Melton Trucking in Oklahoma where he is currently training and has recently been hired. Jameson states that while he misses his family, he is excited about his experience at Melton. Jameson has also taken advantage of his travels to spread his musical talent and has performed at an open mic night at Gypsy Coffee House in Tulsa, Oklahoma-go Jameson!!!
