Partnership will help train drivers 18-20 years old Lynden and Alaska West Express have launched a new Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program (SDAP) that will allow people as young as 18 years old to start their careers in the transportation industry. This is a unique opportunity to expand Alaska’s commercial driver fleet, while providing an earlier start for drivers who typically have had to wait until they are 21. Tyler Bones, Training Director and Director of HSSE for Alaska West Express, said that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has prepared for up to 3,000 new apprentices to join the SDAP. “Alaska West Express currently has two apprenticeship positions available. We have had interest from an additional 10 individuals that would like to enter into our apprenticeship program,” Bones said. Bones said that the apprenticeship is an approved Department of Labor apprenticeship program which means that once an apprentice has graduated from the apprenticeship, they will receive a certificate of completion from the US Department of Labor. Bones said that according to the State of Alaska Department of Labor, the certificate is as valuable as a college degree. Bones says some of the benefits the program provides include: sAn education; n A paycheck; n Hands-on career training; and n National Industry Certification Historically, it has been difficult for potential drivers as young as 18 to begin these programs until they turned 21, but Bones said the program is trying to change that narrative to get younger drivers involved early and start their careers off on the right track. “America needs more truck drivers, the workforce is aging with not enough new drivers entering into the profession,” he said. Bones said that when it comes to recruiting new drivers it has been difficult since the gap from the age of 18 to 21 is too much time for a young adult to find and settle into another career. “By the time they are eligible to become an interstate driver they have already found a job and are generally well established in those career fields. This has been a real problem when it comes to recruiting new drivers,” he said. Bones said that recruitment campaigns have already begun to get the word out to communities about the SDAP and to emphasize the importance careers like this have on our society. “Alaska West Express has been working with the Fairbanks North Star School District and local home school programs to get the word out and to start talking about the great career opportunities available right here at home.” he said, “The transportation industry is vital to the success of our nation.” Bones said historically it has been difficult for drivers under the age of 21 to enter into a driver position. “The Federal government requires drivers hauling interstate freight to be at least 21 years of age,” he said. Bones said that through the program, the younger apprentices could begin their fruitful careers as early as possible. “The SDAP has been designed to take apprentices that have no commercial driving experience through a well-defined program that will prepare them for a long and rewarding career in the transportation industry,” he said. New apprentices do need to meet certain requirements before entering the program. Bones said incoming apprentices will need a Class C driver’s license to begin the SDAP. “We will help them get a Class A commercial driver’s license, which could cost over $10,000 if someone wanted to attend a commercial driving school on their own,” he said. The apprentices will not just learn to drive but they will also learn basic mechanical skills: n Operate loaders, forklifts, and skid steers n Load, unload and properly secure freight n Learn to ensure product and delivery quality “If someone likes a challenge, learning and experiencing something new every day, has a desire to perform a critical job for their community, State, and Nation, and likes feeling accomplished every day then transportation is for you,” he said. More information is available at www.lynden.com/drive. — Harry Whited THE LINK: JULY 2024 28 Lynden launches new young driver program
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