Monmouth and Ocean counties have approved a shared services agreement that will allow the two counties to combine resources for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training, improving workforce development while avoiding additional costs to taxpayers.

The agreement, approved by the Ocean County Board of County Commissioners on July 8 and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners on July 16, calls for Ocean County to provide CDL training to Monmouth County employees, while Monmouth County will give Ocean County employees access to its advanced virtual CDL training simulators.

Monmouth County officials said the partnership will improve operational efficiency by allowing both counties to benefit from each other’s specialized resources and expertise. Monmouth’s training center features heavy equipment simulators that allow trainees to practice operating graders, loaders, backhoes and excavators in realistic virtual environments before using actual machinery.

Ocean County officials said the agreement will enhance training opportunities for county employees while strengthening collaboration between local governments. Ocean County’s in-house CDL program includes classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training and road testing to prepare employees for commercial driver licensing.

County leaders from both governments said the partnership is designed to reduce training costs, improve efficiency and ensure qualified drivers are available to support essential public services while providing greater value to taxpayers.