Grants to help meet demand for skilled drivers by offsetting costs of training Wisconsin residents
MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) encourages training businesses and organizations to apply for a Commercial Driver Training grant. The deadline to apply is Dec. 9, 2026.

The goal of this grant program is to increase the number of Wisconsin residents who obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), provide trainees with jobs that pay a sustainable wage, and meet demands for one of the state’s most in-demand occupations. According to DWD’s WisConomy Hot Jobs list, more than 500 posted openings for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are available on Job Center of Wisconsin.

The CDL grant program reimburses the cost of training students for a CDL with awards of $10,000 to $30,000 and can be used to offset 50% of the training costs for each trainee, or $3,000, whichever is less.

“Commercial driving tops the list of Wisconsin’s in-demand jobs and the need for skilled drivers remains high,” said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. “These training grants will help with workforce demands and open doors to jobs with family-sustaining wages for trainees.”

This grant is open to organizations who meet the following qualifications:
– Applicant or a third-party training provider listed on the federal Training Provider Registry
– Have one or more facilities located in Wisconsin and trainees must be Wisconsin residents
– Training meets federal Entry-Level Driver Training requirements
– Training satisfies the requirements of 49 C.F.R. part 380, subparts F and G

Additional details are available in the Grant Program Announcement. The deadline to apply is 3 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2026. Award amounts range from $10,000 to $30,000.

This grant is administered by DWD’s Office of Skills Development, which helps businesses, schools, and other Wisconsin-based organizations develop innovative local and regional solutions that meet area workforce needs. Learn more about employer training grants available through the Wisconsin Fast Forward Program.
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Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin’s diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker’s Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.