Pace Bus and Harper College are pleased to announce their partnership to provide a free CDL Class “B” commercial driver’s license permit course for the next generation of professional bus operators. Pace has teamed up with Harper College to offer a customized two-week course to assist qualified applicants in obtaining their CDL permit. To remove financial barriers for students to actively pursue and complete the program, Pace will cover the costs of tuition, training, books, fees, and other expenses associated with the program.
On Wednesday, September 28, Harper College will host a pre-hire event for job seekers to meet with Pace staff. During the 3-hour event, which begins at 6 p.m., applicants will complete a screening process which includes application completion, an assessment questionnaire, and a background check. All candidates must bring a valid Illinois driver’s license and a DMV or Secretary of State Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) (also called Driving Record Abstracts in Illinois) with no more than two infractions or tickets in the last five years.
Assessment results will be available 2-4 days after the event, at which time candidates will be required to complete an Illinois Department of Transportation physical and drug screening. Pace will cover the cost of these screenings. Candidates who pass these screenings will be enrolled in a training course that will take place Monday-Friday, October 17-28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Harper College (1200 West Algonquin Road in Palatine).
“We offer a path to success and careers for people who are passionate about public service. Becoming a Pace bus operator can lead to further advancement with opportunities to move into dispatch, safety, and administrative positions,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger.
“Harper College is committed to being a solution provider and meeting the talent needs of employers. We are excited this partnership with Pace will help build a pipeline of bus operators and positively impact transportation services in our communities,” said Dr. Avis Proctor, president of Harper College.
Those seeking employment can learn more at PaceBus.com/careers.
Note: Candidates are responsible for the $12 motor vehicle report.
