Swift - Free Veterans Training - Is it BS/Scam??

So let me get this straight ... you're putting more faith in 8 month old scuttlebutt, than actually making a phone call to the source ...

And we know that every self professed/self entitled "veteran" on the internet is always telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

 

From Swift as of Today

Swift Transportation Co. Inc. is celebrating the men and women of the armed forces by offering them a new career in trucking. Swift is committed to providing career opportunities for the heroes of our country, by providing 1,000 full scholarships to Veterans to attend a Swift Academy of their choice. The transportation leader is offering full scholarships to veterans with a 1-year commitment, as well as a $1,000 tuition discount to Selective Reserves and National Guard with a 1-year commitment.

Former military personnel are a great fit for Swift because their values and work ethics align with what the company looks for in quality candidates.
Through the Swift Veterans Scholarship program, the company hopes to gain long-term, dedicated, and loyal Swift family members that can grow and develop as they help Swift on its continuous journey toward Best-in-Class. While Swift has offered partial scholarships to veterans for several years, this is the first time they are offering full scholarships.

Upon training, Swift will place trainees either in over-the-road dedicated or regional driving positions. Once an individual gets into the organization and performs effectively, there are opportunities for development into a team driver, dedicated fleet work, and the potential to become a mentor for future new drivers. At Swift, career paths can even lead to office and leadership positions.

Participants and those eligible must have been separated from service with an honorable discharge or be an active member of the Guard or Reserve to qualify for the Swift Veterans Scholarship Program. Additionally, if a National Guard or Reserve was called to active duty, they will qualify for the full Scholarship (DD-214 required for verification) Swift driving academies are located in Phoenix, AZ; Millington, TN; Corsicana, TX; and Lewiston, ID

 

When I went through the Swift Academy there was no commitment for a year involved . I was free to leave the day school ended and I had a shiny new CDL . From my experience , my recruiter was absolutely 100% straight up ; there was nothing , not a word , she told me that was untrue . Unfortunately , she is no longer with the company . I find it curious you are foolish enough to believe you will get accurate information from an Internet forum populated by truck drivers .

As far as getting flamed , you need to read your original post . You came through really harsh about the company that puts food on the table of this veteran and thousands of others . I stand by what I said . Contact tthe company . You can also call the Lancaster terminal and make an appointment to see the recruiter in person . The phone number is 972-224-9646. Its that or listen to a bunch of cry baby kitties who are unable to do anything except blame someone else for their problems .

 

My husband is a veteran, started Swift training in October 2014. No cash out of pocket. If he drives for them for more than a year he doesn't have to repay the training. If he leaves prior to the year commitment he'll have to repay the costs of training.

 

His recruiters name, if I remember right, is Randy Short(?). Very straight forward and helpful. People can bash Swift all they want, but Swift has been a great company for my husband

 

For over a year,maybe longer, I have been on trucker's report reading various forums of specific companies I am interested in working for. I have also read many topics in various other forums on the web site such as "questions from new driver's" etc...Trying to get a feel for each company based on what driver's who actually work for the companies think and experience.

I have developed an impression from what I have read. That is that Swift is a much better company than many people think it is or give it credit for. Most of the negative bashing I read is from people who never worked there or know any more about the company than some truck stop banter. I think some of the reputation may be from the past and is not necessarily accurate now. Or maybe it never was accurate.

Drivers working for some of Swift's main, large competitor's seem to have far more operational issues with their particular company than any of the Swift drivers on here do. One in particular that sticks out to me drives distinctively colored equipment.

Does that tell the whole story, no. But I see a trend in what I read and believe it is indicative that there is more positive than negative. Not an endorsement (like I'm in a position to endorse anything), just food for thought.

 

Keep researching; you're doing OK. Sometimes just go with your gut feeling and if it doesn't work out you can change companies later. Most people don't retire from their first company anyway.
Were you an MM in the Navy? Too cold at Great Lakes.

 

My husband and I did similar research. He drove for another large company after his time in the Navy, back in 2000 to 2001, so we knew what we were looking for. There are several companies with Veterans programs, after researching then he decided on Swift. Best of luck to you on your search