i am trying to get started in the trucking industry and i need some info on schools that have student aid. i live in wv and have applied for wia but funds are frozen. also, any info on schneider? you hear so many different things i just wonder who is right. help!!
I see that you live in WV. Just how far are you from Harrisonburg, Va. or Staunton, Va.? Blue Ridge Community College has a truck driving school and I believe at one time they were offering week-end classes for those who couldnt attend during the week. You might check them out if you are not too far away. If you were a resident of Va. you could get in much cheaper than being out of state.
I went to Central Tech in Drumright Ok, and tutition was paid for if you worked for an Oklahoma based company (Arrow, Melton, JCT, etc.). I didn't pay a dime of tution and started out at .32 a mile upon graduation two years ago. The tution was paid for by the state of OK.
In my opinion you are always better off funding your own school. You have more options that way. Plus many training companies offer tuition reimbursement, so you could get your money back anyway. Some offer it as first company hired at, but I know of one company that will offer it even if they are not your first company. Look around before you commit to any school and be aware of CDL mills that take your money knowing that many will not be able to get a job even after they get their CDL. Trucking is a fast paced industry, but I would take my time getting there. Know what is available. Many have got in the wrong school/ wrong company and bailed before their training period was up. If you have a company that pays for your training you will have to contract with them and they will have you under the thumb for a year or two. If you can't afford the school to begin with you won't be able to afford the jacked up rate they will charge you for their school when you break the contract. I have heard some decent things about the orange pumkin as far as having decent training, but make sure you know all your options.
i am probably at least 3 hrs, from staunton, but i am familiar with the area. i used to fish smith mt. lake alot. do you know if the school has financing options? been unemployed since sept. funds are hard to come by. btw, thanks for reply
CDR, I really dont know abut the financial end. I would certainly not "tie" myself to a trucking company for the "backing", then you become a slave to the company, which they love. Are you a veteran, if you are you might be able to swing some money through them.
Here's the web page for Blue Ridge Community College...http://www.brcc.edu/wsce/driving/about/instruction.htm
have you looked into CFI? They have a decent progam where you pay a grand and they pick up the rest. And NO contract to sign.
i agree. i don't want to be a slave to any company. friend of mine is o/o for sunbelt in nc. says there is school near him but you must be nc res. thanks for the link. i will check it out.
