HOLLAND, Mich. — Holland, a regional LTL transportation provider, has partnered with the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to create a professional truck driver apprenticeship program for veterans.
The program offers veterans career training in the trucking industry as they integrate back into civilian life. In addition to paid training, eligible veterans can receive their Post-9/11 G.I. Bill funds while completing the apprenticeship, according to Steve Bramble, Holland’s corporate recruiting manager.
“We are proud to bring this program to the men and women who served our country,” Bramble said. “It’s truly a privilege for us to offer veterans a career transition that allows them to continue serving the country in a new capacity.”
Holland’s Driver Training Program helps veterans develop the skills they need for a full-time career in the trucking industry, Bramble said.
Veterans who have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) but still need to meet mileage requirements or earn proper endorsements will work with industry professionals to complete these objectives while utilizing their current skills.
Veterans who currently do not have a CDL will enter the Dock-to-Driver Program and grow into the industry through paid CDL training and professional mentorships.
Veterans who have the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill can receive up to $24,000 of tax-free benefits in addition to their Holland pay.
Funds will be submitted directly to the veteran by the VA.
To enroll in the apprenticeship program, veterans only need to complete the necessary VA paperwork during the first day of orientation. Veterans must be Holland employees to join the apprenticeship and receive VA educational benefits.
In addition to the partnership with the Department of Labor and the VA, Holland has also received grant funds for $40,000 to support the training program.
The funds were approved at the end of 2017 when Holland received the Department of Labor Apprenticeship certification.
The grant is from FASTPORT, a veteran employment software company with a mission to connect veterans to career opportunities.
FASTPORT works with Holland to provide veterans with meaningful careers and to build a pipeline between the military community and the trucking industry.
Apply for the Holland Veterans program at www.careers.hollandregional.com/military or call 844-617-6410.
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
