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CDS Initiative Aims for More Women in Trucking

CDS - Roanoke Hoping to see More Women Enter the Industry

We all know there is a truck driver shortage in America. How will trucking companies be able to fill these gaps? Could the answer be women? CDS Tractor Trailer Training’s Roanoke Training Center certainly thinks so. CDS – Roanoke along with Community College, Virginia Western, has recently started a new initiative to get more and more women to enter into the trucking industry. The two created a massive billboard on an 18-wheeler that has been driving around the Roanoke area.

WDBJ7 stopped by the CDS – Roanoke Training Center to take a look at the new billboard and speak with some of the current women partaking in CDL training with CDS. Crystal Kennedy, an Admissions Representative for CDS said, “some women have seen the billboard and pictured themselves behind the wheel of a truck for the first time.”

For CDS Tractor Trailer Training, the initiative continues in hopes of adding more and more women to their CDL Training. CDS provides Class A CDL Training in 160-hours at their four Virginia locations. Along with training, CDS provides students with tuition assistance and job placement help once they have completed the course.

“We’ve seen a huge uptick in the number of women who have come into our program,” said Kennedy. “We’re up to about 10 percent of our student population being women.” As for Crystal and everyone at CDS Tractor Trailer Training, they hope to continue seeing more and more women enter into the trucking industry. If you’re ready to get started with your CDL training, contact CDS today to begin the next steps towards a successful career!