Native Hawaiian advancement council launches commercial driver license training for women

The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, in partnership with the American Association of University Women, Honolulu Branch, will launch the first commercial driver license course exclusively for wāhine.

The Hawaiian Trades Academy commercial driver license training program for the Wāhine Cohort starts in July with limited seats.

Applications are currently being accepted for the 6-week course that includes commercial driver license theory training, simulator training and behind-the-wheel training that meet the U.S. Department of Transportation federal requirements.

Participants will train, then test for the CDL-A license. Included in the course is Native Hawaiian cultural education, financial education and job readiness education. 

The course requires a completed medical examiner’s certificate and a CDL-A permit prior to training. A free CDL-A permit prep class will be held June 5, 6 and 7. A CDL-A licensed driver in Hawaiʻi can earn $53,000 to more than $90,000 annually. 

“Entering a traditionally male-dominated industry such as commercial driving can feel daunting for women,” said Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. “Our Wāhine Cohort aims to eliminate obstacles and establish a supportive environment, enabling women to confidently pursue new career opportunities.”

The Hawaiian Trades Academy delivers workforce development programs across the state. Since its inception, the academy has serviced more than 500 students in carpentry, craftsmanship, CDL-A licensing, firefighter exam preparation, police officer exam preparation and solar energy. The CDL-A Wahine Cohort will be its 21st academy.

Anyone interested in joining the Wāhine Cohort for the CDL-A training program can contact Hawaiian Trades Academy Program Manager Kāne Lindsey at 808-204-2726 or kane@hawaiiancouncil.org.