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On a beautiful night in early May, over 20 local students met in Grand Marais with their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) instructors from Cook County and Hibbing Community College to learn how to perform a pre-trip inspection of a semi-truck and trailer! The majority of these students had just completed an online one-month course, and this was the first time they’d all met together in person. Kelsey Rogers Kennedy, Associate Director for Cook County Higher Education (CCHE), spearheaded and coordinated the effort that will culminate in 29+ community members getting their CDL licenses – Class A, Class B, and Class B Bus Endorsement – in the next 6 months.
With the proper CDL license, one can legally drive a school bus, semi-truck, dump truck, garbage truck, and all sorts of other large vehicles necessary to make our local community thrive. Wages associated with jobs requiring CDL licenses are generally $20+ an hour. CCHE’s mission for 26 years has been to “provide education where you live.” CCHE supports local residents in earning a certificate, diploma, or degree that leads to living wage employment right here in our community. The CDL license course is a perfect fit.
The current cohort includes thirteen community members with a CDL driving permit but a need for Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) training and testing, and seventeen students registered for the full classroom and BTW training and testing for the various endorsements. The cost for the training ranges from $1,000 to $4,995 per student. CCHE is grateful to be able to provide the training to residents for FREE with the help of MnDOT/Federal Office of Civil Rights and IRRR. CCHE is covering the $15,000 tuition and administrative expenses that fall outside of funding support.
Usually, the course, taught through Advanced Minnesota/Hibbing Community College, is located in Hibbing, but through the efforts of many local and regional advocates, the zoom orientation, 1-month online course, MnDOT physical, the written exams, and the BTW training are offered in Cook County. The 5-panel drug screening occurs in Duluth and BTW road testing is located in Two Harbors. Providing local resources allows the students to continue working while obtaining their license.
We are thankful for the support of Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Chairman – Bobby Deschampe, his advocacy was vital! We are also appreciative of the numerous individuals from many agencies that worked together to bring this program to fruition.
Cook County Higher Education will continue to offer this training in Cook County. If you are interested in being part of a future Commercial Driver’s License cohort, contact CCHE at 218-387-3411 or email programs@mycche.org.
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