A CDL program in Indianapolis prepares 38 new snow plow operators

Indianapolis, Indiana – Residents should anticipate their streets being clearer sooner this winter, according to city authorities who announced on Thursday a new scheme to pay for business driver’s licenses.

The Department of Public Works was discovered to be short 152 personnel by I-Team 8 the previous year. A CDL is required for many of the open opportunities. The City-County Council gave its approval that autumn for a new program that would see the city pay for CDLs for anyone who committed to working for DPW for a minimum of one year.

In the first year of the program, 38 new DPW drivers were employed, according to a Thursday announcement from city officials. The program’s funding is increased to $150,000 by the budget that the council adopted on Monday night, which would cover CDLs for at least 50 to 60 drivers.

The initiative guarantees that DPW Director Brandon Herget’s department will have enough staff for the upcoming snow season. According to him, this implies that the city will have enough snow plows on hand to clear the streets after a storm faster. According to Herget, the largest issue facing his department has always been staffing.

He remarked, “We think we’re in the best position we’ve been in a number of years.”

According to Herget, the average cost of the city’s CDL training for its drivers is roughly $1,500. If someone wants to get a CDL on their own, the cost varies greatly, but the trucking business Schneider estimates between $4,000 and $12,000.

Herget stated that in addition to shovelling snow, the additional drivers will work on other DPW projects all year long, such hauling asphalt for street repairs or picking up rubbish.

Applying to be a driver is possible through the city’s employment application website. A CDL permit must be obtained by applicants prior to starting instruction.