Missoula MT – Sage Truck Driving Schools and Watkins and Shepard Trucking are teaming to provide financial assistance to driver training students.

The heart of this effort is a $263000 grant from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation which will provide students with financial aid to obtain CDL training and work as a professional truck driver. Training usually ranges from $3100 to $4200.

In addition Watkins and Shepard Trucking will provide students with access to funding for the remaining tuition cost with up to a 50 percent matching contribution. This contribution will be available to qualifying students who choose to work for Watkins and Shepard directly after graduation. Watkins and Shepard will also provide tuition reimbursement of up to 65 percent.

Qualifying students will be responsible for approximately $200 in various fees and at least a $250 down payment on tuition. “This joint effort will make driver training available to people who otherwise might not be able to afford it” said Curtis Weidner Director of Recruiting of Watkins and Shepard. “However it is a program that requires a commitment from a student in exchange for the assistance.” Both Sage and Watkins and Shepard believe this assistance will encourage students to become “invested” in the program and the trucking industry.

The Sage Corporation has been in business for 18 years and has 32 school locations around the country all of which follow a standard PTDI curriculum. Go to www.sageschools.com to find the location nearest you.

Watkins and Shepard Trucking is a national transportation company providing LTL truckload (Dry Van and Flatbed) brokerage and warehousing services. In business over 33 years Watkins and Shepard has 23 terminals/hiring locations across the country. Watkins and Shepard has opportunities for student graduates and experienced drivers with open positions for company drivers and owner operators.

Call 800-548-8895 or visit www.wksh.com for more details.