Women in Hawaiʻi can now be a driving force behind the wheel of big rigs for commercial transport, potentially earning between $53,000 to more than $90,000 annually.
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and the American Association of University Women’s Honolulu branch have joined forces to launch the first Hawaiian Trades Academy Commercial Driver’s License training program for females, known as the Wahine Cohort.
The six-week training program begins in July and includes theory training, simulator training and behind-the-wheel training – all requirements of the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The program also includes Native Hawaiian cultural education, financial education and job-readiness education.
Once trained, the women are able to take the test to acquire their CDL-A licenses.
Cost to participate in the program is $250. To apply, a completed medical examinerʻs certificate and a CDL-A permit is required.
The CDL-A Wahine Cohort is the Hawaiian Trades Academy’s 21st training class. It has provided more than 500 students with training in carpentry, craftsmanship, CDL licensing, firefighter and police officer exam preparation, and solar energy training.
To join the Wahine Cohort for the CDL-A program, contact Hawaiian Trades Academy Program Manager Kāne Lindsey at (808) 204-2726, or email [email protected].
