FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A free truck driver training program in Fresno is helping community members get behind the wheel of a new career while addressing workforce needs across the transportation industry.<\/p>\n
On a recent training day, Kaia Rhodes climbed into the cab of a semi-truck and prepared for another practice run. After completing her safety checks, she carefully backed the truck through the training course while her instructor monitored every move.<\/p>\n
Rhodes is one of the trainees enrolled in the State Center Community College District Training Institute Truck Driver Training Program, an eight-week course that prepares students to earn a commercial driver’s license, or CDL.<\/p>\n
For Rhodes, becoming a truck driver is about more than a career.<\/p>\n
“What really made me go into truck driving was that I have a little brother,” Rhodes said. “He’s autistic and he loves the big trucks. So for me to drive that big truck and have him in a passenger seat would definitely make his world spin extra fast.”<\/p>\n
The program allows participants to complete their CDL training in as little as eight weeks. One of its biggest draws is that it costs students nothing.<\/p>\n
“I was trying to get into trucking for the last two years, but it was very expensive,” Rhodes said. “So being free of charge has helped me a lot.”<\/p>\n
The training program has operated for about a year and a half. Since its launch, officials say it has continued to evolve and grow.<\/p>\n
Daniel Griffith, senior program specialist with the Training Institute, said the program recently moved to a larger training site through its partnership with OK Produce.<\/p>\n
“So we’re at a new facility that’s given us some more space, and it’s going to give us the opportunity to expand the program,” Griffith said.<\/p>\n
The expanded training area gives students more room to practice driving maneuvers and lets organizers accommodate future growth.<\/p>\n
Program leaders also recently received a funding extension through the Good Jobs Challenge grant. The new funding will keep the training free for participants through next summer.<\/p>\n
In addition to CDL instruction, students connect with industry employers before completing the program. Companies such as Knight Transportation connect with the students before they complete their training.<\/p>\n
“We want to make sure that once our students get their commercial driver’s license, that they’re able to transition to a job that can help them provide for their families,” Griffith said.<\/p>\n
The results have been encouraging. Since the program’s first cohort, approximately 135 students have completed the training. Organizers say about 80% of those graduates have gone on to secure employment in the trucking industry.<\/p>\n
For Rhodes, those numbers are reassuring as she works toward her own future behind the wheel.<\/p>\n
“Just to drive that big truck seems like a dream come true,” she said.<\/p>\n
Applications for the program remain open year-round. The next cohort begins October 26.<\/p>\n
You can find more information about the course and an application to apply by clicking here.<\/a><\/p>\n For news updates, follow Jessica Harrington on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n