Freshforce Student, Truck Driving Program

Fresh force Student - Truck Driving Program

Feeding Tampa Bay recognizes that it takes more than food to fight hunger. We employ a model that focuses not only on food for today, but also food for tomorrow, and eventually food for a lifetime. Programs like Fresh Force help connect you to job training opportunities, rejoin the workforce, and provide a pathway to self-sustainability.

The Feeding Tampa Bay Fresh force Training Program provides industry-recognized certifications and hands-on job training to individuals with barriers to employment.

The Truck Driving program offers technical and professional skills to prepare students for employment in truck-driving and related fields requiring a Class B Commercial Driver License. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, testing, group discussion, hands-on training, employability training, and life skills training to prepare students for successful employment in the industry. The courses offer students opportunities to gain experience behind the wheel, obtain industry-recognized certifications, and receive hands-on electric pallet-jack training.

Students will work both individually and as a group throughout their time in the program. Training spaces will primarily include the classroom, the warehouse, outdoor training spaces, and inside trucks while participating in this program.

The training program is 10 weeks long and students are primarily in class on Monday from 8:30am to 3:00pm and Tuesday through Friday from 5:00am to 1:30pm. Students also take a 30-minute lunch break  program is provided at zero cost to students and they also receive a bi-weekly stipend of $15 an hour to help them overcome any financial barriers that may deter them from successfully completing the program.

Students also receive support and resources to overcome barriers relating to food, housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and other related challenges.

Over 10 weeks, the Fresh Force Driving program aims to provide students with the skills and training needed to obtain a job in transportation. The program provides students with opportunities to:

• Learn about occupational hazards and practice safety while working in a warehouse or distribution facility;
• Safely and confidently operate forklifts and other powered industrial trucks;
• Prepare and certify for their CDL B license
• Gain foundational knowledge of supply-chain logistics, material handling, quality control, and inventory;
• Learn and practice employability skills including effective workplace communication, professionalism, resume-writing, and interviewing;
• Learn and apply methods of task-management and time-management in the workplace;
• Understand and apply basic principles relating to customer service.

To be eligible for this program an applicant must meet the following criteria. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Program Eligibility

• 18 years of age or older.
• Authorization to work in the US.
• Willingness to complete a drug screening and background check.
• Background check that does not possess a criminal history involving sexual assault or sexual battery.
• Must have a valid Florida driver's license with clean driving record to clear an MVR check
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods of time.
• Access to reliable transportation for the duration of the 10-week program.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to commit to the program and obtain employment in a related field.
• Priority will be given to applicants experiencing barriers to employment and financial stability.
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. is preferred, but not required.

Applicants must submit or complete the following to be considered for admission:

• A completed and signed application.
• A completed Fresh Force Screener and Intake Form.
• A completed in-person interview.
• Attendance during orientation.
• Possession of valid driver's license, or a state/government- issued photo .

Cohort Dates September 13, 2026 - November 23, 2026

Admission Decisions

Accepted Applicants in this category have been admitted into the Fresh Force Training Program. If accepted, you will be notified by phone and/or email and provided information on next steps.

Wait-listed Your application will be placed on a waitlist if you met admission criteria, but enrollment is  wait-listed, you will be notified if an opportunity arises to enroll during the current or next enrollment period.

Declined An application may be declined for not meeting admission criteria. Declined applicants will be notified via email and/or phone and may contact the Director of Workforce Development Programs for additional information. If appropriate, students will be encouraged to reapply during a future enrollment period.