Illinois community college gets $77k to train veterans into truck drivers

A community college in Illinois will receive a $77,000 grant to train military veterans into truck drivers. 

Lincoln Land Community College is the recipient of of an almost $77,000 grant from the Department of Transportation to support their trucking school program that works to train veterans into truck drivers.

 “This announcement is particularly special because this program is focused on solving a real workforce shortage, while also uplifting our veterans and their families,” said U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski.

The money is expected to support 17 military veteran students through their trucking school experience, reported Capitol City Now.

“This is for students to help with tuition and other needs that they have while they go to school,” said Dr. Charlotte Warren, LLCC president. 

“The trucking industry provides 338,000 careers in Illinois.  That’s one in every 15 jobs in the state,” said Matthew Hart, Executive Director, Illinois Trucking Association.  “We provide good-paying jobs that families can rely upon.  The national average salary for an over-the-road truck driver is $75,000 per year.”