Broward College partners with FleetForce to meet the growing demand for commercial truck drivers statewide.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (May 2, 2023) – Through $2.6 million in funding from the state, and matching funds of $1 million, Broward College’s newest partnership establishes a commercial truck driving program to meet the growing demand for licensed drivers. The collaboration between the College and FleetForce Truck Driving School reflects the College’s ongoing commitment to providing students the economic mobility that comes with skills training and job opportunities in high-demand fields. Students who undergo the training are enrolled in Broward College and complete the commercial driver’s license (CDL) program in as little as four weeks. The first group of trainees received their certificates on May 2, 2023, at an official launch ceremony at FLA Live Arena.

“This program is a lifesaver,” said Gabrielle Estime, who was among the first group of completers. “I have had my sights set on earning my CDL but felt hopeless. My permit expires in May, and I was running out of options on where to complete the training, especially after facing some financial setbacks.”

A 2019 study by the American Trucking Association projected the industry would need 1.1 million new drivers in the next five years. With high demand for drivers and a median advertised salary of $61,300 annually, the Broward College Truck Driving Program provides residents enrolled in the training with wrap-around services and support to ensure completion, as well as job placement. In collaboration with FleetForce and the Florida Trucking Association, qualified aspiring drivers will be matched with potential employers who will provide scholarships to obtain a CDL at no cost.

 “Our analysis of the labor market signals positive employment projections for individuals with commercial driver’s licenses in Broward County,” said Gregory Adam Haile, J.D., Broward College president. “This partnership will increase the area’s capacity for training drivers at a pace that meets demand. Providing students access and opportunities is foundational to our business strategy, but we are equally vested in collaborating with others to advance the region’s economy through partnerships such as this.”

Broward College is one of six new FleetForce training sites in Florida. FleetForce has operated since 1981, preparing individuals for Class A or B CDL. FleetForce is the fastest-growing CDL institute in the nation that is licensed by the Florida Department of Education, the Committee for Independent Education, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

“The U.S. will need over 1.1 million commercial truck drivers over the next decade, and Florida makes up nearly one quarter of this growing demand,” said Tra Williams, CEO of FleetForce Truck Driving School. “We are excited to show South Florida what’s being done to address this urgent need for CDL drivers across the state, through our partnership with Broward College and the Florida Panthers’ FLA Live Arena.”

Students attend classes and receive on-site training through a lease agreement for the training course and classroom space donations from the Florida Panthers NHL Team at FLA Live Arena. The students used an outdoor course to learn how to operate a commercial vehicle fully and safely; properly back in the vehicle; drop and hook trailers; and practice defensive driving in high traffic and dangerous areas. Three additional groups of students are currently in training. These cohorts of about 8 to 12 students start every Monday. More than 270 people are waiting to participate in the program.

“Serving our local community is a core pillar of the Florida Panthers organization, and we are constantly raising our hands and finding new ways of making a positive impact,” said Florida Panthers EVP of People & Facilities Rob Stevenson. “We are proud to partner with FleetForce and Broward College in support of this important vocational training program and offer FLA Live Arena as a substantial location where student drivers can learn and hone the skills necessary.”

For high-res photos and videos from the official CDL program launch at FLA Live Arena, click here.

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ABOUT BROWARD COLLEGE:

Serving approximately 56,000 students annually, Broward College provides residents with certificate programs, two-year university-transfer degrees, two-year career degrees, and baccalaureate degrees in selected programs. The mission of the College is to provide high-quality educational programs and services that are affordable and accessible to a diverse community of learners. For more information regarding enrollment, student demographics, awards and rankings, accreditation, and more, visit the College’s Public Information Dashboard at https://www.broward.edu/about.

ABOUT FLEETFORCE

Established in 1981, FleetForce Truck Driving School is the fastest-growing Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) institute in the nation. It is licensed by the Florida Department of Education, the Committee for Independent Education, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Headquartered in Sarasota/Bradenton, FleetForce delivers industry-leading training to aspiring commercial truck drivers, which benefits the U.S. economy. Additional FleetForce locations are in Winter Haven, Venice, Palm City, Niceville, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Daytona Beach, Ocala, and New Port Richey. Other sites on the horizon include Lake City and Gainesville. Visit www.fleetforcetruckdrivingschool.com for more information. 

ABOUT FLA LIVE ARENA  
Florida’s premier sports and entertainment venue, FLA Live Arena is Florida’s largest indoor arena and the second largest sports and entertainment venue in South Florida. Home of the NHL’s Florida Panthers, the state-of-the-art FLA Live Arena continues to host hundreds of major concerts, events, and performance acts each year, which have included the likes of Elton John, Harry Styles, Beyonce, Lizzo, WWE, Billboard Latin Music Awards and more. In December 2020, FLA Live Arena became the first NHL arena to earn the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)'s prestigious Health-Safety Rating, which serves as the global benchmark for safety in public buildings. Located in Sunrise, Florida across from the Sawgrass Mills Mall, which attracts upwards of 30 million visitors annually, the Broward County-owned FLA Live Arena is one of the top-ranked venues of its kind in the world, servicing Broward, Collier, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach Counties and beyond. For more information about FLA Live and upcoming events, games, and concerts, visit www.flalivearena.com and follow @FlaLiveArena on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.