JJC, Pace Team Up to Offer Free Training Course for New Bus Drivers

Joliet Junior College (JJC) and Pace Bus 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.

The college and transportation agency have teamed up to offer a customized two-week course to assist qualified applicants in obtaining their CDL Class B permit.

On Wednesday, Jan. 25, JJC will host a pre-hire event for job seekers to meet with Pace staff from 6-9 p.m. in the T-Building Conference Center (T-1000) at Main Campus. Applicants will complete a screening process, which includes application completion, an assessment questionnaire and a background check. Registration for this event is available on JJC's career training webpage.

The partnership between Pace and JJC was developed through the hard work of the Pace team and their new facility in Plainfield, Ill. Joliet Junior College recognized the opportunity to collaborate in providing good jobs and increased transportation access to our community. 

"Joliet Junior College is dedicated to partnering with businesses in our community that offer opportunities for upward mobility to our students, alumni and community members.” said Dave Lantz, JJC corporate and community service manager. “Pace has a reputation for fair wages and excellent benefits. We are excited for this partnership to provide another career avenue to the District 525 workforce."

To remove financial barriers for students to pursue and complete the non-credit program, Pace will cover the costs of tuition, training, books, fees and other expenses associated with the program. 

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 a good driving record in the last five years. The MVR costs $12 and is the only fee a candidate will need to pay for to qualify for the program.

Assessment results will be available two to four days after the event. At that time, qualified candidates must 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 two-week training course beginning Monday, Feb. 20 at JJC.

Qualified candidates who complete the two-week course will transition to a six-week, on-the-job training program with Pace.

"The CDL B training program at Joliet Junior College is a unique career opportunity for our community," Lantz said. "This training program is partnering with Pace to offer each individual who completes the two-week training and Pace requirements a full-time job offer with Pace. To find a two-week career training program that includes a full-time job offer is incredibly difficult, and Joliet Junior College is thrilled to be offering this opportunity with Pace."

*Please note: The cost of the course is free, but candidates are responsible for the cost of the MVR, which is $12.