Alternatives to Trucking

If you're standing at the doorstep of trucking and haven't committed yourself to anything such as schooling, you should keep looking at other options. Maximize your choices by finding out what's out there for you. And for you guys who are already in trucking and want to get out, what are your plans? Do you have a plan?

Here are some alternatives to living in a fiberglass closet on wheels if you want to go in a new direction career-wise:

1. Heavy EQ training. There's an outfit in Vegas (Nevada School of Construction) that's good, and I know there are others all over that are just as good. You learn how to operate dumptrucks, dozers, loaders, skidders, and other heavies. I believe the longer course is about 6 weeks.

2. Chef training. Don't laugh. I know two truck drivers who went this way and were happy. There is a good chef school in Portland, Oregon not far from Jubitz, and I think the course is a year. One driver I know who did this did have to pay some of the costs out of his own pocket, and the tuition was about 12,000.

3. Underwater welding. Better not be afraid of the water. There's a school in Jacksonville, Florida. I've actually done scuba diving to 'test the waters' of welding underwater, and I loved it. Wouldn't take too long if I went this route. I think it takes about six months, maybe a year (depending on what you want to do) to get through it.

4. CADD (Computer Aided Drafting and Design). One of my favorite classes in college was CADD. Two-year program at a community college if you can swing it.

These jobs would be much more interesting that sitting in a driver's seat all day. I know I got sick of driving day after day after day, same ol', same ol'. I have to think that being bored probably causes brain damage. I hope not. Three years on the road may have taken me down a few rungs.

Now the big question is how will you pay for these. There are many routes open to the determined. You'll need to do some homework, and probably a lot of paperwork. Just buck up and do it. Grants such as the Pell can help. Ask about the Workforce Investment Act.

The easy way isn't the best way in most cases. There is more out there than 18-wheels. And if you want to get away from your box, there ARE options if you really want to leave it. That heavy EQ school in Vegas looks mighty good.