McLane "Driver Apprentice" program (Manassas, VA).How long to get full driver status?

I spoke with someone at McLane today that handles hiring for one of their Virginia locations (Manassas). Good guy. Very personable, freely answered my questions in a non-BS manner, and wasn't pushy at all (i.e. "Give it some thought and reach out to me if you have anymore questions."). He didn't sugarcoat anything, as far as what the job entails (i.e. Very physical work).

He made it clear that the length of time that anyone spends in their Driver Apprentice program (prior to reaching "full" driver status) varies based on the individual. While in that program, I'd be learning how things work in the warehouse and yard, as well as serving as a "Driver Helper." I think that would be cool, as I'm one of those people that wonder what goes on behind 'x' curtain/wall/door. It would give me a chance to understand how other positions within the company operate and...I would think...make me more well rounded than if they just took me at day one, threw me into a truck, and said "git r done."

My question for anyone that has knowledge of how McLane operates...approximately how long could someone expect to be in their Driver Apprentice program? I really like the sound of the program, but my main concern is $$$ and how long I'd be at the entry level salary. I'm not expecting to be making "mad loot" right off the bat wherever I go... I just need some idea of how long I can expect to be at the base/initial salary. Thank you.

 

Thank you for the response. I ended up going with another company that has a similar training program. MCLane really sounded like a good deal. The permanent night driving for that terminal was the turn off for me.

 

I didn't get out of it that easy. For McLane...I would have been on day shift for the first phase of their trainee program (dock work)...and then transitioned to nights full-time. It's the opposite for SEFL. My first month or so (dock work) is nights. To say that I'm looking forward to getting back on a day schedule (once I get to the road phase) would be the understatement of the century, lol.