Davids Hosts U.S. Labor Secretary Walsh, Highlights Supply Chain and Workforce Solutions at JCCC
EDGERTON, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids hosted U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Marty Walsh for a visit to Johnson County Community College's (JCCC) Commercials Driver's License (CDL) training program. Davids, who previously introduced legislation to support female truck drivers alongside Senator Jerry Moran, and Walsh spoke with students and faculty on how the federal government can address supply chain challenges and workforce needs, including in the trucking industry. The DOL helps fund certain JCCC CDL students through Workforce Partnership.
"Unsticking our supply chain and lowering costs for Kansas families and businesses must be a main priority, and one way to do that is by supporting our trucking workforce," said Davids. "As the trucking industry continues to face a driver shortage, training and retaining drivers is imperative so our goods keep moving across the country. I've continued to support Kansas workers and am glad to bring Secretary Walsh to see the great things happening here in our community."
"The Johnson County Community College's CDL training program is a proven example of how public-private partnerships and strengthening our workforce development system are critical tools to bolstering our supply chain and rebuilding our trucking workforce," said US Labor Secretary Marty Walsh. "I look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Davids as we implement the Biden-Harris administration's historic pieces of legislation to ease inflationary pressures, increase domestic manufacturing, and create stronger pathways into the middle class."
WATCH: A livestream of the press conference can be found here.
"It is our honor to welcome the U.S. Secretary of Labor to Johnson County Community College's Commercial Driver's License Training program," said Dr. Andy Bowne, President of JCCC. "Our work as a regional partner addressing workforce development challenges is core to our mission at JCCC. It continues to be our privilege to guide students towards success in new careers as CDL drivers - a high demand, high wage occupation that supports our country's supply chain needs."
"The JCCC CDL program is a critical component in the national effort to strengthen the supply chain and the American economy," said Elisa Waldman, JCCC Vice President of Workforce Development and Continuing Education. "The CDL training program has a 96% graduation rate, and many graduates secure high-paying positions shortly after completing training. It's a leader in producing safe, licensed drivers to meet the needs of businesses in our community and beyond."
"I needed a career change and had been eyeing driving a semi for a while, but I couldn't afford other programs," said Raymond Hockman, JCCC CDL graduate and Dot Foods driver. "I came across JCCC's program, and found it offered flexibility for training where I was able to keep my regular job and attend class on nights and weekends. This degree translated into a six-figure job. I cannot say anything negative about my experience."
"As the local workforce development board, Workforce Partnership routinely uses its federal WIOA monies from the US DOL to fund training programs for low-income individuals and those with other barriers to employment to provide them with skills to fill quality jobs in high-demand sectors," said Keely Schneider, Executive Director of Workforce Partnership. "The Logistics Park KC is one of the most significant logistics hubs in the nation, providing a wealth of high-quality jobs in Johnson County and the region. It is no surprise that CDL training is our single most demanded training program. Johnson County Community College is a vital partner in training this workforce, as the college is one of our largest CDL training providers."
Rep. Davids and US Labor Secretary Marty Walsh speaking with drivers in the JCCC CDL program.
While touring JCCC's CDL program, Davids and Secretary Walsh joined instructors for a truck driving training demonstration on their trackpad. Following the ride, the two officials met with current students, graduates, and faculty to discuss their background, involvement with the program, and future after graduation.
Last year, trucking companies in the United States suffered a record deficit of 80,000 drivers. Given that trucks move 72 percent of American freight, companies are eager to employ new drivers. Students who complete a CDL program, which is required to operate large, heavy vehicles, often earn an annual starting pay of up to $70,000 a year. JCCC's CDL training program combines class time, online study, and behind-the-wheel training in a variety of course configurations.
Rep. Sharice Davids and US Labor Secretary Marty Walsh eating lunch at The Wooden Spoon in Overland Park.
While the driver shortage has led to supply chain backlogs, Davids has worked to address the issue by increasing domestic manufacturing and improving workforce pathways. In July, Davids voted to pass major, bipartisan legislation aimed at lowering costs for Kansas families and increasing America's global competitiveness. She was also the only member of the Kansas delegation to support the bipartisan infrastructure law, which has already begun creating good-paying jobs and expanding pathways to these jobs through apprenticeship programs.