CAREER TRAINING RESOURCES

Updated with the most recent information March 2020 In honor of International Women's Day on March 8th, Advanced Career Institute would like to acknowledge the hard work and pioneering spirit of some of the trucking industry's most notable women. These bold and determined ladies paved the way for those to come, transforming the entire industry in the process. Women still only make up around 5% of the trucking workforce, but that number is steadily climbing as more women rise to the challenge and earn their Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

Trailblazing Women

Luella Bates (1897-1985) was the pioneer who first showed the world what women could do behind the wheel. During WWII, she stepped into a traditionally male job to fill the vacancies left by the war. Luella was such an excellent truck driver that she stayed on after the war ended, outperforming her male counterparts. Next came Lillie Drennan (1897-1974), with her 10-gallon hat and loaded revolver, she was quite an intimidating figure. She became the first licensed female truck driver, and the first woman to own her own fleet. Lillie was also a staunch advocate for gender and racial equality. She personally hired and trained her diverse and exceptionally safe workforce. Adriesue "Bitsy" Gomez (1943-2015) followed in their footsteps. Bitsy formed the Coalition of Women Truck Drivers to combat the pervasive sexism in trucking culture. Through victories in the courts and successful public relations campaigns, Bitsy helped break-down the barriers that were keeping women out of trucking.

How Has Trucking Changed for Women

• Recruiting more women – Trucking companies are making big changes to attract female drivers. Carriers are offering more practice time in truck driving simulators, female driver liaisons, internal support groups, and classes on sexual harassment awareness and self-defense.
• Support Networks – Organizations such as Women In Trucking and REAL Women in Trucking, Inc provide support, job listings, and the opportunity to connect with other female truck drivers.
• Female-friendly trucks – Ryder System Inc. has redesigned their cabs to be more ergonomic or women, with adjusted seat height and more accessible placement of handles and gauges.

Some Challenges for Women in Trucking

• Safety challenges: Pay extra attention to where you’re stopping and walking at night, whether at truck stops or in remote areas. Don’t roll down your window for anyone other than police or someone you know. Focus on safe driving and your employers will value you for keeping yourself, along with their equipment and loads, safe.
• Interpersonal issues: Women may face criticism from co-workers or loading dock personnel. Don’t be daunted by bad attitudes. Let respect received equal respect given. Ignore disrespect and laser-focus on the work, and your job at hand–and don’t let others blow your cool.
• Staying connected to family and friends: Staying in touch is easier with today’s tech. Use Skype or Facetime to have video chats at stops. Send regular text updates (which help with safety concerns, too). Schedule time at home for work/life balance.

Why Women Should Obtain a CDL

Thanks to women like Luella, Lillie, and Bitsy, the trucking industry now welcomes female drivers. Young women just entering the workforce, or those who find themselves job-searching after a lifestyle change (such as divorce, empty nest, or job loss), may consider trucking as a possibility. Forward-thinking companies recognize this trend and are doing more to recruit and retain female truckers. Truck manufacturers are redesigning cabs and other equipment to accommodate the typically smaller frames of women, leading to greater comfort and less risk of injury. Women in trucking also have a strong support network, meaning they no longer have to face obstacles and hardships alone. Now is the perfect time for women to take charge and get behind the wheel. It takes a lot of grit and toughness to succeed as a commercial truck driver, but thanks to the bold female drivers of the past, we know women can do it just as well as men can. Are you ready to earn your CDL? Advanced Career Institute is ready to help make that happen!

Welding is one of the most intimidating trades at first glance, but once you really delve into the facts, it's worth the effort to learn. If you're thinking of beginning training as a welder, there are few key facts to be aware of before stepping into the classroom.

Metallurgy: There is Always More to Learn

Metallurgy is the study of metals and their properties which will be what you primarily learn for welding. Due to the existence of over a hundred metals, there are plenty of different welding procedures and processes to learn. These facts alone make having humility as a welder a necessity. Welding as a whole, is constantly changing. Keeping an open mind and willingness to constantly learn will only benefit you in your welding career.

Thousands of Job Opportunities

There are always openings for experienced welders, but the only way to gain experience is typically by obtaining a welding certificate. The reason for this is because each job requires a performance test. Within this test, you must showcase your welding skills and knowledge. Since you need to learn all that you can about welding in order to pass any performance test, you'll need to obtain a certificate in a specific type of welding. With a certificate in hand, jobs across the country and around the world become available. Not to mention, your salary becomes boundless. Having so many opportunities at your fingertips makes going without a job even in a recession next to impossible.

Don't Be Afraid to Fail

Failure is a part of learning. No matter what knowledge you seek to obtain, you shouldn't expect to be perfect right at the start. A lot of trial and error is required to master any technique. Since you'll never know everything there is to know about welding, failure is something you'll have to accept. While you may be brilliant while in a welding class, being on the job site is a completely different game. Just remember to be consistent. Let your work speak for itself, and keep in mind, if at first you don't succeed, try again.   While welding isn't an easy career, it doesn't take as long as other options to gain a certificate. If you're interested in gaining the opportunity to travel, make more money, and learn new information, contact Advance Career Institute and let us help you get started on a new career in welding.

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.