Drew Rogers, a recent graduate of Stoutland High School in Laclede County, knew he wanted more than just a job—he wanted a stable career with room to grow. After graduation in May 2024, he found exactly that through Clement Truck Driving Academy in Lebanon.
Drew’s path was made possible through the EDA Good Jobs Challenge Grant, a $17.5 million initiative funded by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and administered in the region by the Central Workforce Development Region. The grant, part of the Quadra-Regional Workforce Alliance, aims to serve more than 2,800 individuals across 51 Missouri counties by providing job training and career placement in high-demand fields like transportation, healthcare, logistics, and more.
Before enrolling in CDL training, Drew was earning $18.00 per hour. After completing the program and obtaining his commercial driver’s license, his hourly wage increased to $25.00—creating a pathway to greater financial stability and long-term opportunity.
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Drew is now fully employed, working in the field he trained for, and making the most of the resources offered by Missouri’s workforce development system. He didn’t stop at helping himself—Drew referred friends to the Lebanon Job Center, encouraging them to take the same step toward meaningful employment. Those friends are now successfully employed in CDL careers as well.
Drew’s story is a powerful example of how strategic investment in workforce training changes lives. With the right support, job seekers in the Central Region are gaining the skills and credentials they need to thrive, and Drew is proof that it works.
Way to go, Drew!