It's really happening. ATA is partnering with Dept of Labor to administer the program:
The U.S. Department of Labor has established the American Trucking Associations as an official registered apprenticeship sponsor, meaning ATA can now provide its member-companies the ability to offer apprenticeships to job applicants.
Under the apprenticeship program, ATA members will need to meet certain training and compensation standards as they bring in new drivers for a two-year apprenticeship program that will provide graduated wages as drivers develop and expand their skills.
“This is truly an earn-while-you-learn program,” ATA President and CEO Chris Spear said in a press release. “But it’s more than just a paycheck for apprentices: by participating in a registered program, they are eligible for things like child care, housing allowances, and other support as they start down this new career path.”
Under the agreement, ATA and its partner Fastport — a DOL intermediary specializing in transportation and logistics — will administer the program for the participating companies.
