New approach to driver training and recruitment focuses on education

While the demand for drivers is sky high, an Allenton-based trucking company is taking a unique approach to recruit drivers.

According to Spectrum News 1, Kreilkamp Trucking has partnered with Moraine Park Technical College’s (MPTC) West Bend campus for a new type of driver training.

First, Kreilkamp pays for truck driver students to attend MPTC’s CDL learning program which guides them through the requirements to obtain a commercial learner’s permit. Kreilkamp provides the equipment, like trucks, for training while Moraine Park provides the instructors.

In exchange for the paid training, students must commit to working for Kreilkamp for at least two years after graduation. ​​

“Day one you are an employee earning a daily wage. You are not having any expense up front,” said Kreilkamp’s Recruitment Manager Emily Sheely. “There are a lot of trucking schools you can go to but [you] have to pay for it up front. We have our students pay for it after they have graduated and they have a guaranteed job with us.”

It is something that has attracted students to enter the field. Paul Lindl is in the process of learning to drive a truck for the company. He said the guarantee of a job makes the training process worthwhile.

“It’s a good paying job and something I have always thought about doing,” said Lindl.