"This grant is great news for WCTC's Truck Driving program. It will give our Truck Driving students financial assistance, which will be greatly appreciated." -- Mark Rzeznik, Ed.D., associate dean of Graphics, Construction and Transportation.
PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Wednesday, March 19, 2025) – Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to boost its Truck Driving--Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)-A training program. This grant, which runs through June 30, is part of a statewide initiative to address the need for truck drivers; it will provide training for up to 48 students at WCTC and helps contribute to a vital sector of Wisconsin’s economy.
The DWD announced a total of $468,255 in grants to 17 businesses, organizations and educational institutions across 13 counties – which includes four Wisconsin Technical College System institutions -- to increase the number of CDL holders in the state. These grants, administered by DWD’s Office of Skills Development, aim to train 260 individuals for truck driving jobs that provide a sustainable wage and meet the need for one of Wisconsin’s in-demand occupations. There are currently more than 500 job postings for truck drivers on the Job Center of Wisconsin website, and about 6,000 of these positions are posted annually.
Direct support to students
WCTC’s $30,000 award will directly support the College’s efforts to provide comprehensive Class A CDL training, ensuring that more students have access to this high-demand career path. The program reimburses training costs – offsetting up to 50 percent of the expenses per trainee.
"This grant is great news for WCTC's Truck Driving program. It will give our Truck Driving students financial assistance, which will be greatly appreciated,” said Mark Rzeznik, Ed.D., associate dean of Graphics, Construction and Transportation.
The trucking industry plays a crucial role in Wisconsin’s economy, and the demand for qualified drivers continues to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median salary of more than $55,600 for trucking jobs in Wisconsin in recent years.
“Over the past three years, WCTC has graduated 320 professional truck drivers. We are on pace this academic year to have over 100 graduates,” Rzeznik said.
Program enhancements and flexibility
This summer, WCTC is set to launch a revised curriculum streamlining the application and registration process for the Truck Driving program, Rzeznik said. The update will allow students to complete their CDL license in as few as eight weeks through daytime classes. Additionally, the College offers flexible evening and weekend options, designed for working individuals, with a completion time of around 14 weeks.
Upcoming Transportation Employer Meet and Greet
To help students, employers and drivers connect, WCTC will hold a Transportation Employer Meet and Greet on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the College’s EVOC track. The event, which is open to the public, will feature more than 30 employers showcasing their equipment and providing an opportunity for those interested in diesel mechanic or professional truck driving careers to explore available options. For details, visit: www.wctc.edu/WCTC-Calendar/Transportation-Meet-and-Greet.htm.
To learn more about about WCTC’s Truck Driving program, visit www.wctc.edu/truck.