CAREER TRAINING RESOURCES

Great welders have several things in common. These are some of the traits, qualities, characteristics, and skills that separate the great welders from the "good enough." Here are just a few that ACI feels stands above the others in determining great welders among others.

Highly Trained

The greatest welders attended premier welding schools like Advanced Career Institute in California. They receive the core theory, training and hands-on welding time necessary to pass the various American Welding Society tests and performance qualifications.

Students of the Craft

This means they applied and dedicated themselves to the diligent study, learning and practice of welding.

Grounded in the Fundamentals

You must know the basics of welding inside and out. A firm foundation in the fundamentals provide the stair steps needed to achieve the skill levels common in great welders. There's a reason algebra is not your first math course.

Informed About the Industry

Highly sought after welders keep up to date on the latest industry changes and regulations, especially safety.

Subject Matter Experts

Being the subject matter expert not only means you know about a great deal about welding. It also means you never stop learning.

Superb Manual Dexterity

Better known as "great hands" are common to "great welders." Hand skills and coordination are developed through proper training in technique and practice, practice, practice.

Self-Motivation

Welders often work alone. They are assigned a task or handed a set of blueprints and sent to accomplish the job. The self-motivated welder figures out the most efficient way to get the job done.   5 of the 7 characteristics for "great welders" are rooted in the school students attend and the training that school provides. It's evident that those who want to be superior welders need good training. Cutting edge training helps you achieve the skills common to the best welders in the industry. Advanced Career Institute welcomes and invites you to contact us to discuss your future.

The journey to becoming a professional truck driver has begun. Whether you’re a first-time driver or looking for a CDL refresher course, Advanced Career Institute is ready to show each of our students their future in the trucking industry. This guide is to help our students learn more about the programs we offer, how they can pay for it, and steer them toward a successful career.

Looking for a particular resource? Jump ahead!

• CDL Training Programs at ACI
• Financial Aid for CDL and Truck Driver Training
• What to Expect in Truck Driver Training
• Prepare for Your CDL Permit Test
• More CDL Training Questions? We've Got Answers!

CDL Training Programs at ACI

Here at Advanced Career Institute, we offer a variety of different CDL classes at different campuses to help incoming students prepare for their new career in the trucking industry. This includes a variety of Class A CDL courses as well as a refresher course for those who have previously received their commercial driver's license.

Professional Truck Driver Program

Our Professional Truck Driver Program, offered at all 5 of our campuses, is our introductory truck driver training program. This course is designed for students who have no prior experience in the industry and are looking to get their CDL. This training has extensive classroom training and behind-the-wheel practice to prepare you for the exam. This course is 4 weeks long and will total 160 hours of classroom and range training.

Advanced Professional Truck Driver Program

For students who would like more time to build their skills behind the wheel, we offer an Advanced Professional Truck Driver Program. This 6-week course covers the same crucial topics included in our Professional Truck Driver Program but adds more time in the driver's seat to prepare for the Class A CDL exam.

Ag Transportation

If you’re interested in our Ag Transportation program, offered at both our Visalia and Las Vegas campuses, it is also open to students with no prior experience. This extended course provides advanced training to students on procedures for both the truck driving and agricultural industries. Like with our other truck driver training programs, you’ll be prepared for the operations of truck driving, but also be instructed on how to transport products and equipment in the agricultural industry. For this 20-week course, students will have ample time to become comfortable behind the wheel and transporting specialty agricultural materials.

Commercial Driver 3-Week Program

The Commercial Driver 3-Week Program is an expedited course for students who already have a valid CDL Permit in California or Nevada, and a valid DOT medical card. This course is a behind-the-wheel only program to prepare students for the driving portion of the exam. With only 120 hours needed to complete this course, our staff works quickly to ensure that students are ready to hit the road with confidence as soon as possible.

Financial Aid for CDL and Truck Driver Training

At Advanced Career Institute, we help all our incoming students find ways to pay for the CDL training they need. When our students meet with the Financial Aid Office, the goal is to find the right payment method for them. This could include using any military benefits, government funding, or payment plans.

Many students who walk through the door may qualify for military benefits when they choose to enroll at Advanced Career Institute. Whether they are an active military member, a veteran, or a family member of a military member, they may be eligible for a variety of financial aid programs.

Programs you may qualify for

• Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
• Special Vocational Training (SVT)
• Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program
• Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
• DoD Tuition Assistance (TA) Program
• Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)

If you wish to know more about your options, check out our Veterans Assistance page, or connect with our Financial Aid Office. Another popular financing option is known as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, or WIOA. This grant provides individuals who are looking for training with funding to individuals who want to start a new career so they can succeed in the workforce. WIOA partners with the Department of Labor and other federal partners to help states offer this program for those who need assistance affording their training. The federal government may also award incoming students grants based on their qualifications. A common grant would be the Federal Pell Grant. This form of financial aid is typically given to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial needs and have not yet earned a degree or certificate. Unlike loans, students do not have to repay Pell Grants. Financial need is determined by the Department of Education, and qualification is based on a variety of options. This includes your financial need, the cost to attend school, and your status as a student. If you would like to learn more about the Pell Grant and how you can qualify, let our Financial Aid Office help you get started.

If you’re not interested in taking out a loan, or you cannot qualify for grants, Advanced Career Institute also offers payment plans as an alternative. This will break the tuition cost into equal monthly payments. Our Financial Aid office will also be happy to help you set up automated payment plans for your schooling. If you’re interested in setting up monthly payment plans, our Financial Aid Office will work to find the right fit for you!

If you’re interested in other payment options, check out our tuition assistance page for a full list of financial aid opportunities.

What to Expect in Truck Driver Training

At Advanced Career Institute, our courses are designed to combine classroom training and behind-the-wheel practice. Classroom training is built to prepare you for the CDL written exam with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Driving on the range and practicing on the road are also a crucial part of obtaining your CDL.

The first step in each of our courses is to prepare students for their CDL permit test. This takes place during the first week of training, and we prepare our students to obtain their Class A driving permit with all endorsements, except for the hazardous materials endorsement. This endorsement requires that you take an additional Hazmat theory course that is included in the Entry-Level Driver training prior to the exam.

Once a student achieves their permit, we will start entry-level driver training. This includes everything a student can prepare for when getting on the road behind the wheel. From different weather conditions to night operation and space management, our students will learn the proper protocol when handling the truck. Our students also learn the importance of pre-trip inspection and post-trip inspection. During this time, we teach them how to identify parts and inspect their vehicle to ensure safety.

When our students are able to understand their truck inside and out, that’s when we get them driving. Students start training with basic maneuvers such as backing, alley docking, parallel parking, and coupling/uncoupling. Students will also learn basic handling of the truck both on the range and the public roads. This is the longest portion of the training, ensuring that students are safe and comfortable behind the wheel prior to taking their exams.

Prepare for Your CDL Permit Test

The CDL training courses that are offered at Advanced Career Institute are designed to help you prepare for the exams, but attending class is not the only way to prepare. Students must also put forth the effort in preparing for the test. It’s important to study and become proficient in every aspect of truck driving to pass. It’s important that students don’t simply memorize terms and rules; they need to understand the concepts and feel comfortable in the driver’s seat. It’s also important for students to practice their exam, with several online options like this CDL practice exam for students to take. This will prepare students for the California DMV written tests. If you’re looking for ways to study outside of the classroom – take a look at this  DMV CDL study guide, or this online CDL Test Study Guide.

More CDL Training Questions? We've Got Answers!

In this blog, we’ve answered a lot of questions about what to expect as a new CDL student. But what if you have other questions? We’ve created a section of frequently asked questions for incoming students or people just interested in learning more. Our staff is also a wealth of knowledge when it comes to trucking and is ready to answer any questions you may have about education or the trucking industry.

Ready to Begin CDL Training? Start Your Trucking Career with ACI!

On Monday, November 26th, Advanced Career Instituted in the 73rd Annual Visalia Candy Cane Lane Parade. This was ACI's fifth straight year participating in the parade with their float. The Candy Cane Lane Parade was again a huge success this year with well over 30,000 people lining the Visalia streets and over 100 entries including local school’s marching bands, festive floats that have been created by local businesses and organizations. The theme of this year’s parade was “Through the Eye's of a Child” and ACI’s float certainly depicted a Toyland theme. ACI's float this year was designed by Alondra Valentin and students and staff at ACI. All worked hard like Santa’s elves in making sure the float finished in time for the annual parade. Advanced Career Institute's float sponsored Toys for Tots & Gifts for Seniors. This is the tenth year ACI has sponsored these causes. On Saturday, December 1st as well as Sunday, December 2nd, ACI will be having their 10th Annual Community Service event for the holidays. They will be collecting toys for young children as well as basic need gifts for less fortunate senior citizens. The annual event will take place at the A&W located at 2611 S Mooney Blvd, Visalia, CA 93277. ACI will be collecting new unwrapped toys for children, in addition to new blankets, slippers, socks, basic need items for the elderly from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm both day. All gifts collected will be distributed in our local area only and not sent to other areas. Last year we were able to collect and distribute toys to several hundred children and basic need gifts for “shut in” senior citizens in our community. Individuals requesting gifts, know of a child or senior citizen in need, would like to donate, or volunteer their time can call (559) 651-1978 for more information. Advanced Career Institute would like to thank the community for continuing to support this event for the last ten years!

Thankful for You

This year, Advanced Career Institute has much to be thankful for. From our staff to our awesome instructors, we have had such an incredible year working with so many bright and intelligent men and women. To our current students and graduates, what a year we have had with you! We are so grateful to you for picking Advanced for your CDL Training and Welding School. Each one of you has such a special place in our hearts. You are the reason we get up and go to work each morning. We appreciate your confidence in us as a school and trusting us to be a part of reaching your career goals.

We are excited to continue working with our new students and the students to come and helping them achieve their trucking and welding goals! From our own David Bither, "As a company, we are thankful for our entire ACI family (Students/Staff/Partners), who make our mission a reality each and every day.  Thanks to each of you for your hard work and effort.  We are truly blessed to provide an opportunity for individuals to better themselves.  This helps affect the individuals, their families, and our communities in a positive way.  To be a part of this journey and a small part of that ripple in the water is a true blessing.  Thank you to all who make this possible." We would love to help you get started with your CDL or welding training and make 2019 the year you begin a new career. If you are interested in getting started with ACI, contact us today. Again, from the entire Advanced Career Institute family, we wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Because the trucking industry is something of a unique profession to get into, truck drivers tend to go their own way and may ignore or neglect some of the skills and strategies for success that other professionals swear by. One of those skills and strategies is a rather important one: networking. For most professionals, “networking” more or less means “making friends in your industry,” keeping in contact with people you know and meet in order to (hopefully) forge professional connections that help you both succeed in your field of endeavor. The logic here is simple: the old adage “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” If you know key people at trucking companies around your area, you’ll be privy to job openings, perhaps sooner than the general public. As people get promoted, friends can hire you and become supervisors (and vice versa, of course). In the trucking industry this is as important as it is anywhere else, though it may seem kind of hard to come by. After all, truck drivers aren’t necessarily attending bi-monthly seminars, coffee klatches and speed networking events like other professionals, because they are typically too busy actually hitting the road and getting somewhere. But as a professional truck driver, you still have some vital networking resources that you would be wise to consider keeping up with. Trucking industry sites: You want to stay on the cutting edge of information in your industry, which is why you visit trucking industry sites daily to keep up with the latest innovations, law changes, and other occurrences in the biz. You can then circulate these articles around social media, and speak a little more intelligently about topics that come up elsewhere. Message boards: Many drivers tool around on message boards, seeking advice, posting and looking for job openings, and just generally horsing around with other drivers, virtually speaking. There are many truck driving message boards, but Truckers Forum, Truckers Report, and Trucking Boards are three popular ones. Find a couple you are most comfortable with and join. Post with regularity and engage other truck drivers. Social Media: Of course you should start with the essentials—that is, LinkedIn and Facebook—to establish connections. Pay particular attention to LinkedIn by keeping your profile fully updated, and join a couple of truck driving groups and make frequent posts and connections. Post articles and videos important to the trucking industry, and stay active (check and comment or post at least twice a day if possible). Of course, there are trucking social media sites like You Truck Me and Operation 18 that can also help you make connections on a larger scale. Union meetings: If you’re a union employee, meetings are your chance to put your expertise to work for you. If you have followed these other bits of advice, you’ll likely find yourself a more informed voter, able to make a better decision on your union vote, and you’ll also perhaps hold more sway with your co-workers and friends as well. Plus it gives you opportunity to meet union employees from other companies, giving you the chance to mention if you are interested in new opportunities. Truck stops: Ah yes, your everyday bastion of trucker activity. If you find yourself meeting the same people at multiple truck stops, why not make friends? Being sociable is the biggest way to network, so merely chatting with a colleague and maybe having breakfast or coffee together could be a good way to establish new contacts. Conventions, conferences, and seminars: You may not be all that jazzed about the idea of going to a trucking convention or conference, but why not give it a shot? You get to hobnob with your industry’s leadership, get some good advice, and meet some colleagues along the way. Trucking Groups and Organizations: Perhaps the best way to network is to join a group whose primary mission is to introduce truck drivers to each other for professional development. Groups like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), National Truckers Association, and America’s Independent Trucking Association

Here at Advanced Career Institute, we value each student that walks through our doors. From the time they enroll, we want to help our students put the best foot forward toward their new career. We help our students earn a variety of endorsements in hazardous materials, air brakes, and tankers. Now imagine that your CDL tanker endorsement leads you to deliver key ingredients for rocket fuel at a well-known launch site. One of our graduates, Logan, got the chance to live this moment for himself after graduating from ACI, and we want to tell his story. Logan attended both our Visalia and Fresno campuses earlier this year, graduating just a few months ago. Before getting his tanker endorsement with us, Logan was doing something else exciting – loading helicopters. Working with the agricultural community, he helped prep helicopters to crop dust fields. Although, this wasn’t the job he wanted to have for the next 30 years, he wanted something more reliable.

A New Path with Purpose: Why Logan Chose a CDL Career

“I wanted a more reliable and steady income. Acquiring a CDL makes you employable in the 49 continental states,” he states, “I wanted to always have steady employment to help raise my kids.” After multiple people recommended Advanced Career Institute, Logan chose to enroll at our Visalia campus.. When asked about his experience at both the Visalia and Fresno campuses, he had nothing but kind things to say about the staff members. From start to finish, there were staff members and instructors that helped him to succeed. “Melissa was so perfect at the pre-trip and wouldn’t allow anyone to cut corners, she didn’t want to make us unsafe drivers.”

More Than Just a Job: Driving Toward Rocket Launch Sites

In the short time following his training with ACI, Logan found himself employed quickly. Logan started to drive tanker trucks with a lot of different contents. One of these deliveries being calumet – an inactive ingredient in rocket fuel. While it’s considered a non-hazmat material, Logan is working toward getting his hazmat endorsement. This is so that he can deliver more materials to popular launch sites. This would include hauling hazmat and doubles, so that he can haul all the materials needed for rocket fuel. While rocket fuel is not the only delivery Logan makes, his contract doing so has helped others. Most notably, he delivered materials to a launch station preparing to retrieve Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from the International Space Station in March of this year.

Eyes on the Horizon: What’s Next for Logan in Trucking

“Since graduating, I’ve hauled tankers, pneumatics, low beds, flatbeds, as well as bottom-dump and side-dump trailers – all for the same company.” He explained, “I’ve already got to haul eight different types of trailers over the course of two months.” Logan has been working hard from the beginning to give himself every opportunity in the trucking industry. He actively pursued his hazmat certification and licenses as a bulk milk hauler and sampler. This helped him gain valuable experience with each haul he completed. By making himself skilled in so many parts of the trucking field, he’s been able to assists companies like Kinder Morgan and Harris Ranch in transporting their products. We asked Logan what he would tell any future students at ACI. His best advice for future CDL drivers: apply yourself. “Don’t let any personal distractions come in the way of your future goals,” Logan recommends, “Once you get your CDL and find your place of employment, it’s a major relief.” He also mentions how important your driving record is for success in the CDL industry. He even made a comparison between a drivers performance and their resume. ACI is here to help each and every one of our students understand the importance of driver safety. Logan got to experience that first-hand at our Fresno campus. “I 100% know that Fresno will create a safe driver, and it will help them to acquire their CDL without fail if they attend that campus.” If you’re ready to launch yourself into a career in trucking, reach out to us today to get started! Learn the California requirements for tanker endorsements!