Amazon’s Career Choice training program is addressing the increasing global demand for truck drivers. Its Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) course equips employees with the necessary skills to serve as long-haul and freight drivers.
According to an article posted in Amazon’s Workplace news channel, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates significant employment growth in the transportation industry between now and 2032, with as many as 240,000 new higher-paying job openings annually. Amazon’s CDL program is preparing drivers for these new jobs in the United States as well as overseas.
The Career Choice Program pre-pays tuition for continuing education, according to About Amazon. The Upskilling 2025 pledge committed $1.2 billion to provide 300,000 employees with access to education and skills training programs, including college tuition for front-line employees.
Abel Tuyisenge is a refugee from Uganda who began his career at Amazon in 2021 as an ambassador, providing safety and process training to employees before being promoted to a trainer. His interest in transportation grew while learning about trailer use in warehouses, leading him to pursue a trucking program through Amazon's Career Choice with 160 Driving Academy. "I was dreaming of driving trucks and wanted to learn more about how to maneuver the big trailers," Tuyisenge said. He earned his CDL and joined Amazon’s transportation team, where he now operates large trucks. "My dreams were coming true so fast," he added. "The experience I gained was beyond my expectations. I dream of one day becoming a business owner and owning my own trucks."
Career Choice collaborates with educators to help employees prepare for their next career steps, according to Amazon Jobs. Amazon works with employer partners to create ongoing pipelines of candidates, particularly in fields like Healthcare, Tech, Mechanical & Industrial Systems, Administration & Business Services, and Transportation. With over 200,000 participants worldwide, more than 600 approved schools across 14 countries, and pre-paid tuition and reimbursement for books and fees up to an annual limit, Career Choice is dedicated to empowering employees through education.