New Program Offers Free CDL Training

Seasonal workers hired by New Britain’s Department of Public Works perform maintenance, construction, repair, and other work on city parks, roads, and public areas.
But the season only runs from April 1 through October 1, leaving workers to find employment for the remaining six months of the year.
One option is to apply for a year-round job with New Britain’s DPW.
However, there’s a hitch: To qualify for full-time employment with public works, applicants must have a commercial driver’s license.
That leaves many would-be applicants out in the cold.
But seasonal workers now have a chance to earn a commercial driver’s license—and the potential to land a year-round job with New Britain’s DPW—at no cost to them, thanks to a partnership involving CBIA and other organizations.
The partnership is with the city of New Britain, AB CDL Driver Training Center, and the Workforce Solutions Collaborative of Metro Hartford’s Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Workforce Partnership, which is managed by CBIA.

Qualification Requirements

To qualify for the seasonal jobs and training, applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years old, and pass a state Department of Transportation medical exam and a criminal background check.
Those who are hired must pass a probationary period.
Applications are available weekdays from 7 am-3:30 pm at the AB CDL Driver Training Center, 221 South Street, New Britain.

"This is a great opportunity to qualify for a good position with the city of New Britain," said Deb Presbie, program manager with CBIA's Education & Workforce Partnership.
"We encourage workers to take advantage of it."
Seasonal workers with a CDL can move directly into driving home heating oil/propane delivery trucks in the fall or snow plows in the winter months, Presbie said.
"Having a CDL gives you a host of good employment options," she said.

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For more information, contact CBIA's Deb Presbie (860.244.1932).