City of Lincoln celebrates 40th CDL through American Job Center

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The City of Lincoln on Monday certified the 40th commercial driver’s license earned at the American Job Center.

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and job center workforce administrator Dylan Wren hosted a press conference to announce the new credentialed driver.

“This milestone highlights the City of Lincoln’s commitment to helping our community members and businesses grow the great life together,” Gaylor Baird said. “By credentialing individuals with commercial driver’s licenses, we support their economic mobility and help fill a workforce need of our local businesses.”

Mario Rush was the 40th credentialed driver, saying his experience with the American Job Center was life-changing.

“Moving forward, I want to drive local and give back to the community – even becoming an instructor,” Rush said.

Since 2024, the City of Lincoln has invested $686,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds toward CDL training.

Wren said the program is successful because training can be completed in as little as five weeks, with most participants finding employment quickly.

“Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers consistently rank as the top high-wage, high-demand, high-skill occupation in the Lincoln area and across the state,” Wren said. “With some targeted training, individuals have a high likelihood of securing a well-paying job relatively quickly – a remarkable opportunity.”