Breaking Barriers and Paving the Way with Emery Sapp Water Tanker Apprenticeship

The Central Workforce Development Region and Emery Sapp are proud to announce the successful completion of three Water Tanker Driver Apprenticeship program participants, solidifying their positions as full-time employees at Emery Sapp, one of Missouri’s leading contracting companies.

Paris Samuels, Kelly Howell, and Shayana McQuitty have broken barriers and paved the way for a diverse workforce in the trucking industry while also benefiting from a program designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed for success.

The partnership between the Central Workforce Development Region and Emery Sapp has played a pivotal role in addressing the driver shortage crisis, which resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic and poor retention rates in the industry.

The apprenticeship program provided participants with competitive compensation during training, enabling them to concentrate on honing their skills in Columbia, Missouri.

Under the expert guidance of instructor Melissa, the program comprehensively covered all aspects of water tanker operations, ensuring that apprentices like Paris, Kelly, and Shayana developed the proficiency required for their future roles.

Upon graduating from the apprenticeship, each woman earned her Class A CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) with a tanker endorsement, positioning them for full-time employment with Emery Sapp.

Emery Sapp, a 100% employee-owned contracting company, boasts a proud history dating back to 1972. Emery Sapp is a trusted name in the industry, with over 1,200 employee-owners specializing in excavation, grading, underground utilities, bridge construction, asphalt paving, and concrete paving.

The apprenticeship program substantially alleviated the financial burden often accompanying CDL training, which can cost upwards of $4,000. Thanks to the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding provided through the Central Workforce Development Region, these three individuals had the chance to pursue new career pathways without prohibitive financial constraints.

“The demand for truck drivers, both over-the-road and local, is at an all-time high,” remarked Sundi Jo Graham, Central Workforce Development Region Communications Coordinator. “We’re committed to removing barriers to employment and providing employers with skilled workers who play a vital role in keeping our economy moving forward.”

This apprenticeship model is at the forefront of preparing American workers for the modern job market. With direct involvement from employers, these programs adapt to evolving technologies and innovations, ensuring that apprentices are well-prepared for the demands of their chosen industries.

The achievements of Paris Samuels, Kelly Howell, and Shayana McQuitty underscore the importance of programs like the Water Tanker Driver Apprenticeship. By providing opportunities for individuals to gain valuable skills and secure, stable, well-paying jobs, these initiatives are not just changing lives but also bolstering the workforce and strengthening the economy. Emery Sapp’s commitment to employee development sets an example for other companies, making the trucking industry a more inclusive and vibrant sector for all.