Consumers Fuel Company is partnering with Educate Maine to offer a registered apprenticeship program for individuals looking to gain experience and build a career as a CDL-B Driver. Those who complete their apprenticeship will have the opportunity to continue their employment at Consumers Fuel Company as an experienced CDL-B Driver (Hazardous Materials). This is a year-round program in which apprentices are full-time, paid employees of Consumers Fuel Company.
CDL-B Driver (Hazardous Materials) Apprenticeship – Are you interested in building your knowledge and skills to start a career as CDL-B Driver? Apprentices will learn on the job over the course of 2,000 hours (one year full-time, longer for part-time) in a specially designed in-house training program at Consumers Fuel Company. Apprentices will receive supplemental classroom learning through Northeast Technical Institute and MEMA Technical Education Center. This classroom training will prepare apprentices to take the Maine CDL-B written and road tests and the Hazardous Materials endorsement test through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and enable apprentices to sit for their Propane Delivery License through the Maine Fuel Board.
Apprentices will learn and work closely with subject matter experts and mentors. Apprentices will learn and perform essential job functions related to:
- Performing and completing pre-trip planning
- Demonstrating the ability to properly handle and transport cargo/loads
- Performing essential driving tasks and proper vehicle operation techniques
- Performing trip operations for scheduled deliveries
- Ensuring vehicles are maintained in good working condition
- Preparing and completing documents appropriately
- Performing appropriate customer relations and communication
- Demonstrating an understanding of company policies and procedures
Expectations – During the apprenticeship program you will:
- Satisfactorily complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training at Consumers Fuel Company (approx. 1 year of full-time work)
- Satisfactorily complete required job-related technical instruction (144 hours of training through the Northeast Technical Institute, MEMA Technical Education Center, and Consumers Fuel Company) Instruction dates/times will be arranged in advance and incorporated into apprentices’ work schedules.
- Take and pass the Maine CDL Written and Road Exam, Maine CDL MazMat Test, and Propane Delivery License Test
Benefits – Apprentices will receive:
- Paid on-the-job training (OJT) in a well-paying, meaningful job that can support you long-term and provide opportunities for advancement. OJT consists of supervised learning of a clearly defined set of industry skills by a subject matter expert and assigned mentor.
- Foundational knowledge through relevant instruction classes that you can quickly and easily apply to your OJT. Apprentices will be prepared to take and pass the Maine CDL-B written and road exams and the Maine CDL HazMat Test. Apprentices will also sit for and receive their Propane Delivery License through the Maine Fuel Board.
- Progressive wage increases throughout your apprenticeship as you gain and demonstrate mastery of skills. The starting wage is $20.00 per hour. As apprentices progress through the program and learn and master critical knowledge and skills, their wage will increase. Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, apprentices will expect to earn the experienced worker wage of $25.00+ per hour.
- An industry-recognized, transferrable Credential of Value (certificate) upon successful program completion. This credential will be awarded by the State of Maine and is equivalent in value to a degree or other professional certification. It is valid for life and recognized by any employer in the United States.
- Access to additional professional development and networking opportunities through Educate Maine’s Maine Career Catalyst program.
- Credit towards your apprenticeship for previous experiences, such as completion of related classes, work experiences, or certifications (if eligible).
- Connection to support services to aid in the successful completion of your apprenticeship (as needed).
Eligibility – Applicants must:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Possess a valid Maine Class C Driver’s License with a clean driving record
- Have already passed, or be able to pass, a TSA Fingerprinting Threat Assessment
- Be able to haul hoses weighing up to 75 lbs. on a frequent basis and climb stairs to load trucks
- Be able to pass a DOT physical and drug screen for all controlled substances
- Be able to pass a school ready exam (basic)
- Successful candidates do not need prior CDL-B licensure or driving experience. However, prior related experience can certainly be a positive factor. Apprentices with prior experience may be awarded credit towards their apprenticeship program.
How to apply:
Please submit your application (providing a resumé is optional) and 3 references (2 professional, 1 personal) to Consumers Fuel Company at 12 Main St. Belfast, ME 04915 or email your application to lynn@consumersfuel.net
Equal Opportunity Pledge:
Consumers Fuel Company will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years or older. Consumers Fuel Company will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.