CDL school offering free manual CMV training for the homeless

A Minnesota trucking school is offering free CDL training for people experiencing homelessness in the area. 

Tom Giliam, owner of CMV Tutor LLC., says that his program is focused on training people with children, another job, or even other classes, to drive a manual transmission semi truck. Now, he says he wants to offer these classes free of cost for people who are currently homeless. 

“Some of my previous students when they got the CDL were so excited,” Gilliam said to KTTC News. “It changed their lives literally; they’ve got a new course in life.”

Gilliam says he is offering the courses in Rochester and Eagan, Minnesota; as well as in ONalaska, Wisconsin. Those looking to take advantage of the free classes must have a reference from a program counselor or homeless shelter. Some people may also obtain free courses through unemployment, if they meet the lower-income standards. 

More information on the program can be found here.