PGT Innovations created its own in-house driver certification training course for its existing employees to address the current shortage of Commercial Driver's License (CDL) drivers. The eight employees who completed the training program passed their certification exams. Over the next year, they will partner with a current trained CDL driver to learn at a gradual pace.
PGT Innovations brought in instructors from FleetForce Truck Driving School to lead the course. The group of team members went through a full week of classroom learning at PGT Innovations’ Venice campus, followed by three weeks of driving instruction in a controlled parking lot.
“The need for CDL drivers right now can't be overstated,” says Tra Williams, president of FleetForce Truck Driving School. “PGT Innovations recognized that they could fill this need and at the same time, invest in their team members’ futures. Through this CDL training, they are creating a path of upward mobility.”
Largely throughout the industry, CDL drivers are responsible strictly for transporting goods between destinations. The company says its CDL drivers provide an extra level of customer service by assisting with the loading, unloading, and final inspection of products to ensure safe handling, damage-free delivery, and increased customer satisfaction.
"This program aligns with PGT Innovations’ vision of serving, leading, and thriving,” says Rachel Evans, vice president of Human Resources at PGT Innovations. “The more we serve our team members through career advancement opportunities, the more likely they are to move into leadership roles supporting our organization. The outcome is a thriving company.”
Earlier in September, PGT Innovations celebrated its truck drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week with a breakfast and a truck driver appreciation T-shirt.
