About Us
Our Mission
Founded by Experts. Driven by Reintegration.
The DJH Express National Training Academy is a minority-owned 501c3 tax-exempt organization, that was founded in 2020.
The mission of the academy is to equip the formerly incarcerated and veterans with the necessary job skills and training, in the transportation industry, so that they can successfully reintegrate into society, after incarceration or deployment.
​
The founders of the Academy started in the transportation industry in 2007, initially working under contracts like Office Depot and Cardinal Health. They have gained first-hand experience throughout the years and are committed to helping individuals earn a living wage.
They have built a strong network of industry and community partners. As well as a support staff comprised of truck drivers and industry professionals that are committed to training and developing new drivers.
Our Team
Meet Our Founders
Demetriues and Katrina Hawkins
Both are highly motivated and skilled professionals with a proven track record in the transportation industry, combining hands-on experience and the successful development of registered apprenticeship programs. They possess a strong foundation in various aspects of the transportation field, including developing a CDL job training program. As well as acquiring valuable expertise in safe and efficient operations. With a focus on continuous learning and growth, they are committed to workplace safety. With a solid work ethic, strong problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative mindset, they are well-prepared to contribute to the success of transportation organizations and individuals seeking a career in transportation.
Our Programs
Ensuring Successful Placement: Our Enrollment Process
Structured Re-Entry Program Enrollment
Our process is designed to select and support individuals best suited for success in our job training programs.
-
Eligibility & Assessment: Selection is determined by a comprehensive risk and needs assessment (including the PATTERN tool). This ensures the program is the right fit for your career goals.
​
-
Pre-Release Window: Individuals become eligible to apply within 6 months of release. We work directly with prison counselors to coordinate identification and enrollment.
Critical Re-Entry Support
We understand the challenges of re-entry. We provide specialized assistance to secure essential documents required for employment:
-
ID & Licensing Assistance: We work with the Bureau of Prisons and provide driver training and transportation to the local DMV to help you obtain necessary IDs and driver's licenses before you begin training.
Eligibility (Pre-Release) Requirements:
📌 Good disciplinary record
📌 Required portion of sentence served
📌 No security designator
📌 No homicide or sexual offenses
📌 No pattern of violence
📌 HS Diploma or GED
📌 Prison counselor approval
📌 Low-risk PATTERN score
📌 No 3G offenses
Approval Process through Texas Workforce Commission:
Step 1 — Create WorkInTexas Profile
Student must create a profile in WorkInTexas - Login before attending orientation
Step 2 — Schedule WIOA Orientation
Contact one of the Workforce Centers to schedule a virtual or in-person WIOA Orientation
-
Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas (wfsdallas.com)
-
Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County
Step 3 — Intake Appointment
Once orientation has been completed, a virtual or in-person intake/eligibility appointment must be scheduled.
Step 4 — Application Review
Application review (completed by Center Management)
Step 5 — Complete 2 Online Classes
Completion of 2 online classes (prior to training start)
Step 6 — 4-hour TABE Assessment
Completion of 4-hour TABE Assessment (Some exemptions apply)
Required Documents
(must be submitted prior to appointment):
Driver’s License
Social Security Card
Resume
Income Guidelines for WIOA Funding:
