Contemplating a career change

The proposed Drivers Solution plan, in a nutshell:

I get myself from SC to Fort Worth on my own dime, attend a 3 week training course on USA Trucks dime(training and accommodations included-all meals on me). USA Truck hires me on at .25/a mile with a 1 year commitment from me.

 

NCESC got back to me already and informed me that in order to be eligible for the WIA funding I would need to attend an orientation. A link was provided, followed and I have mine set for 6/22. That was the earliest date available.

I am not sure how much I will be adding to this thread until then, since this appears to be my next step in the process, but feel free to post as I will be checking in at least once a day(oh who am I kidding, I have been living on this site since I found it!)

 

OK, I have attended the WIA orientation today and it was basically an info gathering meeting for the applicants.

In order to qualify for WIA, I need to file for FAFSA(done), attend one workshop held through job links(will do that next week), and apply for three jobs a week(this one above the normal for collecting UE benefits) for four weeks.

They provided everyone with a WIA application which will need to be filled out and turned in once the previously listed items are complete. The interesting thing to me was that they will fund you for up to two years, but it is capped at 3500.00 per year. How can anyone go to school full time(required) and only help out at such a low rate, anyways, not my concern. The class at York Tech is just under 3000.00 and is six weeks long.

The application process(the previously listed criteria) will take 4+ weeks and the next class at York Tech begins in just over 6 weeks. I hope that this process goes smoothly once I've completed my to do list.

 

I don't really have anything set up right now, and I am told that nothing is set in stone until I can meet with a case manager 4+ weeks from now. At that time, or at some time after, I should receive a voucher stating that the WIA will pay for school. Then and only then can I actually enroll.
A little red tape and some follow through on my part will get the job done I hope. Once I am enrolled, I will certainly provide updates on the link you provided, until then I will continue to post here. Maybe someone will find the info I provide about this journey will seem helpful.

 

I hope others do follow along in hopes that it may streamline the process for those in the same boat.

I will say that if nothing else is gained, I have provided Kickin' Chicken with a platform to display his knowledge. I cannot say how much his input has helped me. It is always nice to have some informed guidance while on an unfamiliar journey.

I reread the thread in response to last post, and I did have a question in regards to something Kicken' Chicken had said. He mentioned that it is easier to get a CDL in NC vs. SC, and my question is: Is the CDL test performed in your state of residence or the state in which you went to school?

 

Insert foot into mouth. LOL. It is funny, while I was writing that last post I kept thinking "maybe I should be writing he/she". Oh well, sorry about that. I certainly didn't mean anything by it!