LAKELAND, FL — A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) driving program is coming to Polk State College, backed by nearly $2 million in state funding to help train drivers for Central Florida’s growing transportation and logistics industry.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced Monday that Polk State College will receive funding through the FloridaCommerce Florida Job Growth Grant. The College was awarded $1,782,236 to establish its dedicated Commercial Vehicle Driving Program.
The program will be based at the Polk State Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center in Bartow. Plans include a new CDL training facility featuring an 80,000-square-foot driving pad for behind-the-wheel training. Financial assistance will also be available to qualifying students.
The program is aimed at addressing a significant workforce need in Polk County. CareerSource Polk’s 2025-2026 Regional Demand Occupations List estimates approximately 1,000 annual openings for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers.
Polk State also plans to use the program to strengthen workforce partnerships in logistics and transportation, aviation and aerospace, manufacturing and defense.
Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas said the investment will provide students with affordable, short-term training opportunities while helping local employers develop a stronger pipeline of skilled workers.
SOURCE: POLK STATE COLLEGE
