Training Adventures with Sage in Cheyenne, WY

Huh, the thread is still alive.

A little update on my situation:

Ran with High Desert Services doing different types of Oilfield driving/work. Hauled water out here in Cheyenne until they shut down operations around here. Then started going out to Rock Springs to work the fields around there. In between hauling water I was doing Frac heating in CO/WY, and hauling propane to refill the frac heaters. Then late last year a little birdy put in a good word for me with the company he works for, and I got a call one evening for an interview while I was dragging booty back down to Cheyenne from a Frac heating job up above Douglas WY. Sat down with the regional manager a few days later, then started my trainging with them in late January down in Denver.

That little birdy was JYNXX...I also work for Gemini Motor Transport out of Cheyenne hauling fuel for Loves Travel Centers. As a matter of fact, Jynxx should be on his way down to Aurora or Commerce City as I'm typing this. We run the same truck.

There are local jobs. I'm not saying they will all hire you straight out of school, but it never hurts to try. Don't just submit applications and hope for the best; follow up with phone calls and emails. I bugged the heck out of the regional manager for Gemini. I was always calling him and telling him when I was leaving town to go work in the Rock Springs area, and when I was coming back, which was about every week. He had said he would let me know, but as with most Oilfield work, there is no set schedule. I didn't want him flying out and me not being available.

 

I believe they do offer a refresher, but several companies that I spoke with said I would have a much better shot at employment if I took the full course. About the only thing I won't be doing is taking tests at the DMV. May be able to work in a little extra drive time because of this, which will be good, but.. yes, still a bit frustrating.

I'll keep yall posted on how it goes, and thanks for the welcome back! I've been about ready to go stir-crazy the last couple years!

 

Well, I have an appointment to meet with SAGE here in Cheyenne on Wednesday at 10AM. Now the nervousness sets in. I have to meet with the director to see if they can work around my work schedule, which is 1:30PM-11:30PM Friday through Monday. Obviously Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are no problem, but Monday and Friday I would have to leave at 1PM. On top of that, I don't know what to wear to this meeting. I won't look like a slob, but not sure how "professional" to dress. I must admit, the DOT physical scares me a little, but my doctor said I should be fine. My only concern is that I have slight hearing loss in my left ear. My right one seems fine though, so that is a concern for me. My bp is under control due to the medicine I take for it, and I'm a big guy, but hopefully this all works out as I want this so bad. Well, if anyone has any suggestions about this meeting, I would love to hear them.

 

First off, an update: First day today, nearly wore myself out watching videos from the 70's... lol
Other than that, nothing to report. Which is good, I think!

Mac, I wore nice jeans and a good shirt (a polo shirt perhaps?) when I first went in to meet with her (the director).. I wouldn't go in with a suit on, if that's what you're wondering? Your call, however.
How slight a hearing loss are you talking about? Normally, a dr will do what they call the whisper test for hearing -- they'll whisper something to you from about 5 ft away and see if you can hear it. If you can, you pass. Also, from what I've heard, BP medications aren't a problem, but then I haven't had to deal with them at all so that's just hearsay.
I doubt your work schedule will be a problem.. one of the people in my class had to leave early today (at lunchtime) and they had no problem with it.
Good luck at your meeting! Brenda is very good at answering any questions you might have, so don't be afraid to ask her. Great staff all the way around from what I've seen so far.

 

If you're on BP meds, you'll end up with a one-year card once you get to the carrier you're employed with.

The equipment in those videos is about the only thing that is "outdated." Pay attention to the jack-knife videos and how they use reference points in the backing/parking videos. You'll really want to be able to use a button-hook manuever in tight turns, and blocking 4-wheelers from running up your blind-side while turning is something that will keep you off of the 10-o'clock news.

 

Mac, was that you in the red jacket today? Thought about stopping and finding out, but had to get back to watching videos!

So, finished the 6 endorsement videos today.. went over to DMV and took (and passed! first try!) the HazMat test (since that was only thing I needed to do -- already have it on my license, but since I'm about to expire, figured I'd go ahead and take it so I can renew my license with it). Doing fingerprinting tomorrow (again, for HazMat), then on to the classroom.

On the schedule for driving Sat. Odd thought -- last time I was in a truck was right after I tipped over a pup in 08.. Oy. From accident to driving school.. lol go figure.

 

It wasn't me. I have to go tomorrow at 10am.