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Have you been thinking about a career in welding, but want to be sure it's right for you?  Have you been looking at educational options, but don't know the right school for you?  Advanced Career Institute is ready to be your answer. 2018 is the perfect time for you to begin your welding career journey.  Let's take a look at five reasons why you should begin taking the steps to become a professional welder.

1. There are jobs in this growing field

   According to the Bureau Labor of Statistics, the projected 10 year growth potential is 4% per year.  With nearly 400,000 open jobs in welding in the U.S. today, you can rest assured the demand for your new skills will remain high.  As more jobs seem to be outsourced and automated, it's comforting to know that welders will continue to serve as a necessary requirement for manufacturing and other industries, across America.

2. The starting pay and financial growth opportunities are promising

   In California, the average annual salary for a professional welder is close to $40,000.00 per year!  As you gain more experience and perfect your trade, you'll have the ability to increase your pay--some welders earn as much as $66,000 or more.

3. You enjoy working outside on a full-time basis, and are excited for a challenge

   Once you've completed your training and start your first job, you can expect to work 40 hours per week, with possible over-time.  Companies are in need of your skills! If you don't love the sunshine and working in outdoor conditions, this probably isn't the right career for you.  On the flip side, if you enjoy fresh air, hard work, and the challenge of meeting project deadlines--you're going to love what your new welding job offers.

4. Quality training will make you outperform others in the field

   Advanced Career Institute offers one of the best programs in California, and has three locations to serve residents.  As a welding student with Advanced Career Institute, you'll receive both classroom and hands-on training, and they cater to the non-traditional or working student.  If you haven't taken a look at ACI as a potential training provider, it's time to get serious about your future.

5. You can complete welding training in as little as 24 weeks

   Advanced Career Institute offers two programs designed to get you in your new job in as little time as possible.  The Welding Technology program is the shortest program, lasts 24 weeks, and is offered at their Visalia and Fresno campuses.  The Advanced Welding Technology program is available at the same campuses, and takes an additional 12 weeks to complete.  Shift your career into high gear with welding training.

What are you waiting for?  Now is the perfect time to get started in a professional field that's going to work for you.  Welding offers quality pay, a strong outlook for the future, and growth opportunities. Advanced Career Institue is ready to help you get started. Contact us today for more information!

Updated October 2022 Managing finances can seem overwhelming when you are away from home. Staying organized does not have to be a source of additional stress. There are several ways to manage your money better while still on the move. Here are a few tips to start the New Year off strong by staying organized with your finances.

Make a List

In order to manage money well, you have to know how much is coming in versus how much is going out. Take the time to create a list that includes the date each bill is due, the date deposits are made, and any expenses for food, clothing, or other necessities.

Bank Better

Not all banks are created equal, and for that reason, it is important to do research and choose one that meets your individual needs. Choose a bank or a credit union that offers free checking services, low or refunded ATM fees, and mobile banking options so you can track and manage your account from anywhere. A good bank should also have no minimum balance requirements or limit the number of transactions you can make. Since you will likely be away from home, banks with a great Mobile App will be especially beneficial.

Consolidate

If you have multiple checking, savings, or credit card accounts, now is the time to consider consolidating. Having multiple accounts only makes it harder to keep track of what you owe, when it was paid, and through which account. As a bonus, this can also save you money. You can choose to keep the accounts with the lowest fees and interest rates.

Take Advantage of Technology

Free apps, like Mint and Rocket Money, are available and make staying organized a breeze. You can keep all of your financial information in one place and can access it from your mobile device. Not only can you pay bills through these apps, but also get notifications and reminders for any bill that is not set up on auto-pay. These apps can also help you set up a monthly budget and give you an analysis of your spending trends, so you can see where to save money. They can also be a great place to organize all of your different subscriptions. Taking the time to manage your money better is a great resolution. Knowing you are organized will give you that peace of mind while on the road. It might just save you some money as well!

At Advanced Career Institute, we are proud to offer training in the transportation and welding industry. If you're ready to make a career change, contact us for more more information!

Advanced Career Institute, Central Valley’s largest and only nationally accredited truck driver training program, will be doing a special Class A CDL training program for some lucky residents of Merced County in California.  There are 12 initial Scholarships available for a 4-week program to qualified residents. “Here in the Merced area, there are a lot of people looking for a better paying and long-term career.  So, we thought it would be a great idea to introduce the folks at Werner Enterprises to Worknet.  Werner has great paying jobs.  And Worknet has people that are looking for a new and different opportunity”, said Everett Yockey, ACI Merced Campus Director. WHAT CAN YOU EARN? New truck drivers with their Class A CDL at Werner Enterprises can earn up to $48,000 the first year.  In your 2^nd year, you can expect to earn $55,000 - $65,000 as an experienced driver!  So, Advanced Career Institute in Merced created an accelerated, local CDL truck driver training program for individuals to help make this happen.  ACI gets you trained and ready to start work for Werner in just 4 weeks.  “This is a really a great program!  We are helping people get the training they need to be successful in the trucking industry.  Worknet and Werner Enterprises are teaming up to offer an incredible scholarship program to help cover the costs for the student”, said ACI President, David Bither.  You will leave ACI prepared to take your DMV Permit Test because you will be receiving 160 hours of truck driver training. This new program is currently being taught at the ACI Merced Campus and spots are going fast.  Learn more about this CDL Training Scholarship program by contacting our Merced campus today at 1 (209) 437-3767.  The Admissions Staff will help get you started and review all the details with you.

Advanced Career Institute is proud to sponsor our ninth annual Toys for Tots & Gifts for Seniors Event. We are collecting new, unwrapped toys for children. In addition, we are collecting basic need gifts for senior citizens. We are requesting items such as new blankets, slippers, socks and other basic need items to be distributed this holiday season. Toys for Tots was established in 1947 by Marine Reservist Major Bill Hendricks where he collected and distributed over 5000 toys to disadvantaged youth in the Los Angeles area. Due to its success, the United States Marine Corps Reserve decided to expand the organization nationwide. So far, Toys for Tots has received donations of nearly 500 million toys to give to millions of children across the nation. All gifts will be distributed in our local area. Last year, we were able to collect toys for several hundred kids and basic need gifts for senior citizens in our community. However, last year we were unable to fulfill all senior citizen gift needs, so we are requesting your donations to help these individuals! The event will be held at the A&W located at 2611 S. Mooney Blvd. Visalia Ca. on Saturday, December 2, 2017 and Sunday, December 3, 2017 between the hours of 10:00 AM and 6:30 PM both days. In addition to our regular gift collection, Saturday’s event will also include a LIFE Car show and shine from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Those wishing to enter the show are requested to bring a gift for either a child or a senior citizen as the entry fee. 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. Help Advanced Career Institute spread holiday cheer! With your help, we can brighten the holidays for many children in our community!   If you have any questions, please contact Larry Helmuth by email or phone: [email protected]; office: (559) 651-1978.

EDITORS NOTE: Advanced Career Institute has discontinued our School Bus Driving Program. We still offer our Commercial Bus Driver Program at select campuses. Kids are a family's dearest treasure. When we send them off to school, we are entrusting them to a system we expect will keep them safe. For this reason, school buses are the most regulated vehicles on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), students are 70 times more likely to get to school safely on a school bus than in a car. As a professional school bus driver, here are some safety tips to consider:

1. When picking up or dropping off kids, make sure children are away from the bus before moving and especially if reversing.
2. Be cautious of kids in neighborhoods. This is especially true if the streets have no sidewalks or are lined with trees and bushes.
3. Look for kids running up to the bus when they are late. They might run out unexpectedly and not be aware of traffic.
4. When picking up or dropping off, stop for a few seconds and keep the door closed until other vehicles have come to a stop.
5. School bus seats are designed to protect the passenger when seated properly. Ensure kids are seated when the bus is in motion.
6. Make sure children are not reaching out of or dangling anything from the windows.
7. Let children know not to rush back to the bus if they forgot something. This might cause them to dart into the street. You can always turn in any found objects to the school office.
9. Make sure all children that need to have crossed the street completely before retracting the crossing arm.
11. Always instruct kids to be silent when driving through a railroad crossing so as to be able to hear train warnings.
13. Always put safety ahead of schedule requirements.

These are mostly common sense suggestions that you should keep in mind. They are in addition to specific regulations you learned for your Class B CDL test. If you would like to learn more about becoming a Professional School Bus Driver and bus driver training, contact Advanced Career Institute for details.

When winter weather arrives, it presents a big challenge for professional truck drivers. Here are some winter driving tips that will help keep drivers safe and warm.

1. Carry proper supplies

Truck drivers should make sure they have cold weather essentials on hand. These include:

• extra clothing layers
• gloves
• flashlight
• rain gear
• windshield fluid
• blankets
• bag of sand or salt
• tire chains
• jumper cables
• snow scrapers and brushes

2. Slow Down

The slower you drive, the more time you have to react. Hydroplaning is also caused by going to fast. Avoid winter accidents by watching your speed.

3. Keep A Firm Grip On The Wheel

Grip the steering wheel firmly to maintain control. Keep both hands on the wheel at all times to guide the vehicle through snow and ice.

4. Allow Safe Space

In the winter, truck drivers should increase their following distance. Be sure you have more than enough space to stop and maneuver in unexpected traffic situations.

5. Watch Out For Bridges

Bridges, highway overpasses, and other elevated surfaces freeze faster than the regular road. They also may not be salted. Use caution when approaching bridges to avoid spinning out of control on black ice.

6. Avoid Black Ice

Black Ice is not just found on bridges. It is a layer of transparent ice that makes the road look wet. Drivers can spot black ice when the spray from other vehicles stops. You can also watch for frost on your truck antennae and mirrors.

7. Brake Slowly

In winter, accelerate and brake slowly. If the truck is not equipped with an ABS braking system, lightly pump the brakes when you need to slow down. Always remember, a good truck driver shuts down when there is too much ice, snow, or driving winds. If you're looking for a new career as a Class A CDL truck driver, get professional truck driver training at Advanced Career Institute. Contact us today to get details about Veterans assistance and other financial assistance that are available to those who qualify.