There are good schools out there...

Originally Posted by roadbum
Quote[ ,i blame these idiots that train them. these guys that couldn't hack it on the road so they sit in a school somewhere and tell a bunch of #### stories to these new guys about the way it used to be,when they weren't out there long enough to know.then teaching them just enough to pass a cdl and shoving them out here.they are good guys and gals but they have been sold a bill of goods by these schools.] end quote

I feel sorry for someone having such a jaded view of schools in general. Having said that, I'm not an expert nor a trucker (yet). So take my opinion with however sized grain of salt you need. Please read that last sentence again, if you would be so kind.

I'm at Metropolitan Community College, Omaha NE. Actually, the campus itself is in "Irvington" NE, but I digress. 286 hrs of edgukashun with about twice or more drive time in all respects than two more widely known local schools here in Omaha. There is a company based out of Lincoln NE that boasts a 40% or less turnover rate, stated as largely retirements or such. I know, I know, but hear me out. This company cannot hire out of the other two schools due to concerns of a minimal amount of preparation given to students, in comparison to "Metro". I know, I know, but hear me out. This company is debt free, gaining customer base and recently raised starting cpm by 3. I know, I know...

Many of us in my class have eyes on other companies, but I'm pre-hiring at the company I speak of, and two others as one never knows what will happen down the road.

Why discussing said company in response to the post I took the quote from? Well, I believe I may have found an 8 +/- on a scale from 1 to 10 in regards to overall company quality who wants to hire not only experienced people but will take those with fresh CDL-A stamped on thier licenses and will only hire from qualified, quality and responsible schools. ...Soooo, back to my point.

The leader of the gang in the CDL department at Metro drove for over 35 yrs, both company and O/O. He's no spring chicken. The three lot trainers are aged approximately late 50's, mid 60's and one (I know fairly well who sits beside me 4 days a week) is in his early 70's and has driven since leaving the military during the Vietnam conflict. Yeah, they've driven some and have the credentials to back it up. I can float gears in a FreightShaker 10 spd and we haven't even "officially" be taught to shift yet, that's to start next week which will be our third week of 8 total. We get to spend time over in the deisel mechanics edumakational shop area and learn some maintenance as well, while the tractor is on the ground AND on a lift! I admit, how much maintenance can a guy learn in a few hours, but some schools don't even have such a department to utilize.

Yesterday, a Friday, after almost two weeks in class and on the lot, I passed my DMV CDL-A tests and all 3 endorsements and went to get my fingerprints taken. (Now I just have to learn how to drive the #### things!!!)

My point is these guys at Metro have driven around the block a few times and have no shortage when it comes to driving experience. Rick, the department head and classroom instructor, from what I can tell, is no trucking slouch. Anyway, driving till in your late 50's, late 60's and 70's after starting in one's 20's or early 30's gives experience, wouldn't you say?

As a result of all of this I will forever take any and all comments about trucking schools for what they are worth, and not a penny more. I feel I lucked out in a huge way and simply hope the luck continues despite the immense doom and gloom that finds its way into these boards. I intend to make my own way, my own mistakes, my own good and bad days.

There are good schools out there. There are good companies. Yes, the opposite is true. It's just a shame that bad news travels so fast and is typed onto computer screens with vigor and so much good news is kept to ourselves...