PORTLAND, Ore. — Are you looking for a job right now? Maybe wanting to get into a new career? This month is Get Ahead month at KGW, so we're introducing you to a job you might not have considered yet - but maybe you should! Truck driving.
According to Worksystems, the local workforce agency, truck drivers are in high demand right now, and the jobs come with high wages. You don't even necessarily need to travel; many local employers need truck drivers now.
Worksystems is partnering with local pre-apprenticeship programs Constructing Hope and Oregon Tradeswomen to refer interested people into truck driving opportunities to help connect job seekers to training resources to place them in quality truck driving careers.
The company is using foundation funding to specifically prioritize diversifying the industry, focusing on involving women and people of color. Additionally, applicants need to be currently receiving food stamp benefits and live in Multnomah County.
Worksystems has partnered with employers in the Portland area who are hiring right now, so KGW's Cassidy Quinn went to one of them - Interstate Trucking Academy - to get a truck driving lesson herself.
If you're interested in becoming a truck driver, email trucking@worksystems.org and they will connect with you on next steps.