United Way of Central Iowa has received a $220,000 grant that will be used to better prepare local workers for careers in transportation, distribution and logistics.

The two-year grant was awarded by Jobs for the Future and the Walmart Foundation. It will fund the creation of the Central Iowa TDL Academy, which will focus on helping individuals expand their training for careers in automotive repair and maintenance, commercial truck driving, logistics and warehouse management.

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that over this decade, employment in transportation and warehousing will grow by 856,000 jobs, according to a news release.

“The TDL employment sector needs skilled employees,” Elisabeth Buck, United Way’s chief community impact officer, said in a news release. “We’re grateful to the Walmart Foundation and JFF for this grant funding, which will result in Central Iowans gaining the skills and experience for better-paying jobs.”

TDL Academy will partner with United Way of Central Iowa, Des Moines Area Community College, the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families and Central Iowa Works.

Training will begin in late April at DMACC and the Evelyn K. Davis Center on University Avenue in Des Moines. Initially, 300 individuals will be selected for the training, including at least 75 women, Pat Steele, the site director for Central Iowa Works, said in the release.

Persons interested in participating in the training programs may contact Soneeta Mangra-Dutcher at Central Iowa Works by phone at 515-243-2130 or by email.