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Commercial Driver's License Training
August 2024 - After the successful Cape-Based CDL Training Pilot last winter, the Cape Cod Chamber and CMSC Parker Professional Driving School are launching a two-year training program. This program will pay for 50 trainees over two years. All training and testing will take place on Cape Cod with some online learning and Zoom classes.
"CMSC Parker was thrilled with the success of last year’s CDL Training Pilot,” says Jake Cooney, Director of CMSC Parker Professional Driving School. “There is so much need for drivers on the Cape and we are proud to be a part of the solution. A CDL is a gateway to a better life, and CMSC is honored to work with the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce on this amazing Comm Corp grant.”
This project is funded by the Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success Grant (Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund FY’21 Appropriation) and funds appropriated through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. This grant initiative is administered by Commonwealth Corporation on behalf of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Workforce Skills Cabinet.
“We’re grateful to Comm Corp for enabling us to not only continue but expand our CDL program,” says Paul Niedzwiecki, CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber. “This funding is a game-changer, and with the wonderful team at CMSC Parker, we’ll make a lasting difference for Cape workers and businesses.”
Enrollment will be ongoing throughout the program's lifespan and is expected to be highly competitive. Enrollment priority will be given to unemployed Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket residents and to individuals employed by the Cape-based businesses that wrote in support of the program as part of the grant application to Commonwealth Corporation.
“This program will be invaluable to businesses on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket who are desperate to hire more drivers with Class A and B CDLs,” says James Connolly, President of Eldridge & Bourne Moving & Storage and Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce board member. Connolly has supported the local CDL training program from its inception. “Having the ability to complete this CDL program locally is simply fantastic and a credit to the Cape Cod Chamber for making it happen!”
Behind the WorkforceMA: Cape Cod Chamber of Commerces' Successful CDL Pilot Program
Cape-Based CDL Training Program FAQs
- Is the CDL training for Class A or Class B? Both. Through this two-year program, we aim to train 15 people for CDL Class A and 35 people for CDL Class B. Note, our program does not cover passenger transport or school bus license endorsements.
- How much does the training program cost? The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce will cover all training and RMV costs for accepted trainees.
- How long does the training take? Training duration can vary if delays occur because of holidays, weather, trainer availability, or other unforeseen factors. However, our CDL program is designed to allow four weeks of online classroom learning for both CDL Class A and B. During these four weeks, trainees are expected to spend 40 to 60 hours studying for and passing the written test conducted by the RMV. Class A behind-the-wheel training requires five weeks (25 days) in person. Class B behind-the-wheel training requires two weeks (10 days) in person. Currently, behind-the-wheel training is scheduled to take place Monday through Friday.
- Where does the training take place? Classroom training takes place online. Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce can provide resources for trainees who do not have access to a computer with internet. On the road training will take place at the Cape Cod Mall. Specific location details will be provided to enrolled trainees.
- When will training schedules be available? Training dates for each cohort are predetermined by Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and CMSC Parker Professional Driving School prior to each enrollment event and will be shared to individuals who pre-register for the upcoming enrollment event. Eligible individuals unable to commit to the predetermined training schedule should consider attending future enrollment events.
- When are the enrollment events? Enrollment events are tentatively scheduled for September 2024, January 2025, March 2025, September 2025, January 2026, and March 2026.
- How do I sign up for training? Fill out the interest form that best describes you (employer, employee, individual (under- or unemployed). We will share enrollment event invitations to the contacts through these forms prior to sharing publicly through the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce’s newsletters and social media channels.
- How do I know if I am eligible for CDL Training? CMSC Parker Professional Driving School staff request your full name, date of birth, and MA driver’s license number upon registering for an enrollment event. This information will be used by CMSC Parker staff to check your eligibility. If eligible, your registration to the enrollment event will be confirmed by email. If ineligible, CMSC Parker staff will work with you to identify your next steps towards becoming eligible for CDL Training.
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What if I already have my Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)? Already having your permit shows great initiative and commitment to acquiring your license. However, regardless of permit status, CMSC Parker Professional Driving School and the Cape Based CDL Training Program will require all accepted trainees to participate in the full training curriculum.
FAQ Available as PDF for download
Get Involved, Stay Informed
To hear about the next Cape-Based CDL Training Enrollment Event, please complete one of the following online surveys:
Individual Interest Form (for anyone under or unemployed)
Employers, workers, and Cape residents interested in learning more about the Cape-Based CDL Training Program and future training opportunities through the Cape Cod Chamber may reach out to Katy Acheson, Blue Economy Foundation Executive Director. Katy can be reached by email at katy@capecodchamber.org or call 508-744-5564.
About the Pilot Program
In November of 2023, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with CSMS Parker Professionals, launched a hybrid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B course for four Cape Cod residents.
A year-in-the-making, the CDL Class B Training Pilot Program began on Monday, December 4th and continued through late-January 2024. The program covered 100 hours of training through a combination of self-led online learning, virtual instructor-led classes, and in-person “on-the-road" training at Cape Cod Community College.
In exchange for their flexibility and regular feedback, pilot members had all costs associated with CDL training paid for by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce with the support of sponsors like the American Bus Association. The CDL Training Pilot is also funded by an ARPA Funded Initiative FY’21 Appropriation grant through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and is administered by the Commonwealth Corporation.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Become a Sponsor
Sponsorships are valid for 1-year increments, two-year commitments are encouraged. To become a sponsor, reach out to Katy Acheson by email at katy@capecodchamber.org or call 508-744-5564.
Gold Sponsor - $10,000
- Logo on capecodchamber.org CDL Training Program landing page with link to website of your choice.
- Mention in all future press releases about the program.
- Verbal recognition at enrollment events.
- Logo on Cape Cod Chamber produced training documents.
- Host one enrollment event at your business or host one enrollment event exclusively for your employees.
- Up to 4 eligible employees of your business automatically move to the top of the training waitlist each year.
Silver Sponsor - $5,000
- Logo on capecodchamber.org CDL Training Program landing page with link to website of your choice.
- Mention in all press releases about the program.
- Verbal recognition at enrollment events.
- Your business name listed on Cape Cod Chamber produced training documents.
- Host one enrollment event at your business.
- Up to 2 eligible employees of your business automatically move to the top of the training waitlist each year.
Bronze Sponsor - $2,000
- Logo on capecodchamber.org CDL Training Program landing page with link to website of your choice.
- Mention in press releases about the program where space allows.
- Your business name listed on Cape Cod Chamber produced training documents.
Donations of any amount are welcome.