PLANO, Texas — Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo, created a registered apprenticeship program, which aims to ensure high-quality training for new drivers with the goal of increasing driver recruitment and retention.
Plano, Texas-based Frito-Lay’s program is in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Labor. It came after the Biden administration’s Trucking Action Plan, which included a 90-day challenge to accelerate the expansion of registered apprenticeship programs.
The company’s commitment also involves supporting drivers’ well-being.
“As we work to fill jobs through The Trucking Action Plan, its larger goal is to set the standard that mental health and wellness should no longer be a unique offering, but rather an expectation for employers in order to help employees live better emotionally, physically and financially,” said Laura Maxwell, senior vice president of supply chain at PepsiCo Foods North America.
The program’s initiatives to retain drivers include funding for commercial driver’s licenses, safety training from seasoned drivers and opportunities to support at the federal level through auditing Transportation Department documentation.
In addition to the apprenticeship program, Frito-Lay’s truck driver benefits include competitive salaries, sign-on bonuses, health insurance packages that begin on the first day of employment, 401k enrollment with employer match and a pension benefit. The company also offers scholarship opportunities, education assistance for degree and vocational programs and assistance for parents of college-bound students.
Plano, Texas-based Frito-Lay North America Brands is a division of PepsiCo., Purchase, N.Y., which also makes brands including bubly, Gatorade, Pepsi, Lipton, Mtn Dew, Propel, Quaker and more.
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