The city of Lubbock, Texas, was recognized for its commercial driver license apprentice program for solid waste employees.

Creating a Pathway to a Career

The city introduced its apprenticeship program in 2022. The program, which is for new solid waste department employees, pays for a Class B Commercial Driver License training and certification while they are employed full-time.

According to a press release, the program aims to bolster the solid waste management sector by offering an accessible pathway to a career while simultaneously addressing the need for qualified drivers. 

The city was recognized during the 2023 Texas Municipal League (TML) Annual Conference and Exhibition in Dallas. The city received a 2023 Municipal Excellence Award in management innovations for cities over 25,000 in population. 

On hand at the conference to accept the award were members of the city council and staff. 

"I want to thank TML for recognizing the city of Lubbock, and especially our CDL training program in Solid Waste," City Manager Jarrett Atkinson said. "This progressive program is a game-changer for the Solid Waste Department and will continue to benefit our community and employees. I appreciate our team’s efforts in developing new solutions to ongoing issues."

TML’s Municipal Excellence Awards recognize and encourage the achievements of Texas cities in meeting the challenge of municipal governance.