Trying To Flip a Coin

I think you get to ignore the smell of poo on your hands every time you eat.

Is your sod work seasonal or steady all year round? If its seasonal, do the 3weeker when the season ends.

 

Talk to the state run school, and ask if they have recruiters that come in, and actively seek the graduates. Keep in mind once you graduate you will still end up with a trainer for another 6 weeks (at least) before your let loose, and can start making full wages.

I guess it all depends on how long you can survive not having a full pay check...

 

Go to the week school becuz you'll start work sooner and most starter companies don't care about what skool u went to. And another thing da training in skool and the 6 weeks training u do with a trainer is diff like night and day so you'll learn what u really need from a trainer.

 

Rug,

You have an advantage, having driven a large truck in the past. There is no way I could have felt confident after only a few days behind the wheel, like the school up in Lebanon. I had no large truck background, and when I graduated I was very confident.....but not ####y.
When you go to oreintation, the safety manager will load like 3 students into one truck and everyone gets a test drive. They are not looking for perfection, but they will can you for doing something unsafe, like killing an engine in an intersection or not ending up in the correct lane after making a turn. Heck I saw a student just about take the fence out at the exit of the terminal, it was like he forgot he was dragging 53 feet behind him and he did the turn like a car. One thing that I did notice was the guys that went to the quick schools had trouble with shiffting and gear recovery, but maybe your an ace shifter with a non-syncro trannies. I can tell you one thing, at TTCN you get alot of extra one on one training, and the instructors will make sure your safe before giving you that certificate.

 

Rug,
I agree that you do have an advantage over some of us in that you have driven trucks before. However that was 22 years ago. There are a couple guys in my class who have driven before, but they are certainly learning alot now. And by watching them during manuvers, they could use the practice. My school also offers a 10 week long weekend course, but in talking with one of the instructors, the 5 week long full time course is a much better option. I guess it all depends on what your needs are.

Another thing to take into consideration is whether companies are hiring. We've had a number of recruiters come to our school and the first thing they say is they are not hiring right now, but they will take your application. I just got approved from a company yesturday who said they couldn't get me started until November or December. And this company was on my top three list. So do I wait for 3 to 4 months to go with this company or pick another one? So even if you go with the three week school, you may not get started at a company for another 4 months.

 

Dodgeram,

Do you really think you could pass a company driving test 4 months after training? In 5 weeks you will just start to get comfortable shifting, that is providing your butt is in the seat 3 or 4 times a weeks out going through all the gears up and down. Just something to think about, let me tell you first hand, those skills seem to disapear quickly after school.......its not like you have been out driving for several months and take a break like many on here.

 

Jonny,

I understand exactly what you are talking about. I'm sure I will lose whatever training I've learned by not driving for that long...if I choose to go that route. I graduate from school on Sept. 4. I don't take my CDL test until Sept. 15. This company also said my employment depends upon me passing my tests the first time. There have been some students from here that have not passed the first time...or the second time. I can't blame the school for that though. There are a couple students in my class that definately are not going to pass the first time...if ever. You know, some people just aren't cut out for this. Myself, I like to think positive and feel confident that I will do fine. If I don't, my chances with this company are gone. They are a good company, but at the same time, I can't wait that long for a job. I do have a couple other choices, so I will see how long out they are on their hiring.

 

Maybe start looking at companies that have an autoshift fleet like PAM, that would insure you dont get disqualified by failing the company test drive. Just a thought?
PAM is advertising like crazy here in Nashville for students.

P.S. With a quality school, I doubt you will lose all the skills and I 'm sure safety will be your formost thought, but for me it was all those new skills just aquired and any delay I think I would have been skunked. Its funny how after a very short time all those skills become so natural and you dont even think about it!