$77,000 Grant Aims to Train Veterans to Be Truckers in Illinois

It's impossible to do enough to help veterans acclimate back to civilian life once their service to this country is complete. There's a new grant given to a school in Illinois that aims to do just that - help truckers become full-time truck drivers.

I saw this encouraging story shared by trucking industry site CDL Life. It says that this community college in Springfield has been given a $77,000 grant to help veterans who would like to become truck drivers.

This is Lincoln Land Community College located at 5250 Shepherd Road in Springfield. They have a career training institute which this grant will benefit. $77,000 announced by U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski who said " “This announcement is particularly special because this program is focused on solving a real workforce shortage, while also uplifting our veterans and their families."

It's estimated that there are approximately 338,000 truck driving jobs in Illinois and it's an industry that needs more drivers. CDL Life says that an average truck driver income is around $75,000 which is very competitive for a veteran who's looking to support their family.

I have many in my family that have chosen the life of an over-the-road truck driver and it's not an easy lifestyle or one that's for everyone. However, in a challenging time, it's an opportunity for a group that deserves it the most - those that have served our country with honor.