The Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc.’s DADS MATTER Program is looking to assist 40 dads in obtaining their CDL Class A License and obtain employment by September 29, 2019. The DADS MATTER Program is working with the PA CareerLink® and the Douglas Education Center to make this goal a reality.
The DADS MATTER participants are completing the DADS MATTER program and then taking classes at the Douglas Education Center to obtain their CDL Class A License. These participants are attending a 7 week course that is being held at either of the Douglas Education Center located in Monessen or Douglas’s newly opened site at the Joseph A Hardy Connellsville Airport. The 7 week training is available both during the day and the evenings in order to meet the individual schedules of the enrolled Dads. During the 7 weeks, participants will learn what they need to know about trucks, truck driving and the trucking industry. Participants will learn on the road as they build confidence and gain understanding of the trucking industry and the requirements of safe truck driving. Participants will learn proper shifting techniques on different manual transmissions, safe driving techniques on highways, rural and intercity roads, backing maneuvers, proper pre-trip inspection techniques, how to effectively read maps in relation to a commercial vehicle, accurately complete drivers’ daily log books and create viable trip routes. Upon completion, graduates will possess the skills necessary to obtain entry-level positions such as a regional truck driver, delivery truck driver, dump truck driver, local truck driver, sand and water hauler and over-the-road driver.
At the end of the program, participants will be able to test to receive their CDL Class A License and obtain gainful employment within the transportation industry. Before attending the CDL training, all participants must complete the DADS MATTER Program which is a responsible fatherhood program designed to support fathers and father figures in resolving barriers that impact their ability to be actively engaged in their child’s life. Each Dad in the program received an Individualized Education Employment Plan which is developed for each Dad with the support of the DADS MATTER team. This approach will connect Dads to services and activities that should result in direct benefits to their children, improve the status of the dads both economically and socially and offer supportive services to the Dads.
The PA CareerLink® is a one-stop job center designed to meet all of your employment needs. The Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. is the Title 1 provider for the PA CareerLink® Westmoreland County located at the Westmoreland County Community College in Youngwood, the PA CareerLink® Alle-Kiski located in the Westmoreland County Community College in New Kensington as well as the PA CareerLink® Fayette County located at the Private Industry Council’s office in Lemont Furnace.
All PA CareerLinks® are staffed with Employment Specialist, Career Pathways Instructor, Customer Service Specialist and Account Representatives. Customer Service Specialist are the first point of contact at the CareerLink® offices and are able to assist individuals in obtaining their career goals. The CareerLink® staff is available to meet with you about programs such as the DADS MATTER Program and others in order to help you find a career that sparks your interests.
For more information or to refer someone to the DADS MATTER CDL program contact Andy Dorsey at 724-836-2600 or 724-684-4058. To participate, you must be a resident of Fayette, Washington or Westmoreland County and be in a fathering role.
