Waste Pro, Longwood, Florida, announced July 30 that its regional operations headquarters in Sanford, Florida, has opened its doors to the company’s first of two planned Driver Training Centers (DTC).
As the nation faces a shortage of commercial driver's license (CDL) drivers, Waste Pro says its committed to turning to its own employees to fill the need. Waste Pro’s Co-Heart Program, created in 2015, provides current employees the opportunity to earn their CDL. Since then, more than 100 Waste Pro employees have successfully completed the program.
The new DTCs allow newly hired drivers and current employees who are newly certified to attend a multiday training class covering topics including customer service, safety, vehicle specifics and the “Waste Pro way.” In addition, the curriculum gives participants access to hands-on experience using a new driving simulator and specially designed training trucks.
“The goal is to enhance the learning experience and practicality of applying the important principles of driving in a commercial setting,” Romeo Vellutini, director of safety at Waste Pro, says.
After completing the program, drivers will be paired with a mentor in their home division to continue their educational and professional growth.
The inaugural class who attended the program in July consisted of six participants. The second DTC is scheduled to open in Atlanta on Sept. 10. Each class can accommodate 10 to 20 participants each week.
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