Teamsters get grant for apprenticeship programs

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded a $4.6 million grant over five years to the Teamsters Safety and Health Department to establish apprenticeship programs for workers in the trucking industry. The grant will involve efforts with three trucking operations -- ABC Moving Services, DiSilva Transportation and National Retail Systems -- that have collective bargaining agreements with Teamsters Local Union 25 in Boston.

In addition to creating certified apprenticeship programs, the grant funding must be used to develop qualified instructors and provide training to recent high school graduates, Teamster members who seek jobs requiring Class A or Class B commercial driver's licenses, and military personnel who are transitioning to civilian life.

Student recruitment will be conducted at high schools and vocational schools, community-based organizations that support underserved communities, Teamster Local Unions, and select military bases.