Street Maintenance Team Launches Internal CDL Training Program

Last week, Infrastructure launched a new city-wide training initiative, aimed to better educate and protect its employees, all thanks the hard work and innovation of Street Maintenance Superintendent Chad Courtois and his Street Maintenance staff. After years of offering support to others as they obtain their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Chad leveraged his Certified Public Manager (CPM) capstone project to not just strengthen his own leadership but bolster the knowledge and safety of those around him.

Chad set a goal to expand the training into a formal process, ensuring that Olathe drivers don’t just meet, but exceed FCMSA (Federal Carrier Motor Safety Administration) and DOT (Department of Transportation) guidelines for ELDT (Entry Level Drivers Training). He recruited skilled and dedicated employees to design the elements necessary to become an official course, and in partnership with Learning and Development Specialist Jill Maxfield, made it available on Olathe University.

Portions of the training had already been developed and used by the city for years. John Due, who has since transferred to Traffic, was a primary trainer for those obtaining a CDL A license. John’s work was expanded on when Chad reached out to Street Maintenance newcomers, Tiffany Arnst and Levi Howe, to help develop his vision and they hit the ground running!

They grew and enhanced an existing PowerPoint that walks trainees around an actual Olathe vehicle. Tiffany created a similar presentation for those obtaining a Class B license and two 50-question tests that assess knowledge on the CDL prep app. Levi also created four 50-question tests on JJ Keller videos, emphasizing a focus on safety. These impressive new resources both fulfill a need and empower employees thorough the process.

“I studied when I woke up in the morning, on breaks at work and before bed. Going from no knowledge of trucks to passing and obtaining my license in two weeks and then training another employee, made me want to help everyone who wants to learn. I hope the different participants use the materials that work for them and study to the point they feel as confident and comfortable as I did,” said Tiffany.

However, they haven’t just inspired those they train, but even the brains behind this operation.

“Having Tiffany and Levi on board has been huge. They have a fresh perspective on our process and think of things I never would have thought of,” said Chad.

With everything from Theory Classroom Training to Behind the Wheel Training and countless skills in between, the knowledge needed to obtain a CDL is not just extensive, but critical to the driver’s safety and those on the road. But with added responsibility can come added benefits like career advancement, opportunities for better route assignments and new work relationships.

“I enjoyed seeing new employees succeed and with all the time we’d spend together, they would become good friends. I learned about what led them to the City of Olathe family as well as what they are thankful for with their job here. Knowing the people you work with makes you more aware of them and if there’s something you can do to help. I want to see everyone succeed and live a good, happy life,” reflected John.

And with a new year before us, there is no time like the present to take a chance on ourselves, expand our skills and become safer on the road. Just think, we might even make a friend or advance our career in the process!