FleetForce Truck Driving School, one of Florida’s leading proprietary, entry-level commercial driver training programs, announced its expansion into Sarasota-Manatee beginning October 4. In collaboration with State College of Florida (SCF), the expansion will make this the second of FleetForce Truck Driving School’s two locations in the state, with projected plans to further grow into Venice by next year. “We are seeing a critical need for more commercial truck drivers around the nation,” says Tra Williams, FleetForce Truck Driving School president. “In Sarasota-Manatee specifically, there are significant driver shortages with no commercial truck driving schools for those who want to obtain a CDL license nearby."   

The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training school will be the first to operate in the Sarasota-Manatee region with training programs taking place on SCF grounds. New classes begin every Monday. Students can choose between either a 40-hour Class B or a 160-hour Class A course to obtain their CDL license which certifies them as commercial drivers. With talent support from Suncoast CareerSource, most graduates have multiple job offers awaiting them with competitive benefits and entry level salaries averaging nearly $50,000. 

“State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota is thrilled to collaborate with Fleet Force to ensure local business and industry partners have a skilled, ready-to-work pipeline of commercial truck drivers,” says Dr. Todd Fritch, Executive Vice President and Provost of State College of Florida. “For individuals wanting to reskill, we are seeing a greater interest in transportation, healthcare and IT-related jobs. Having FleetForce on campus allows another entry point for individuals to receive the training and certification they need to go to work.”

Interested applicants can enroll at DriveFleetForce.com.