CAREER TRAINING RESOURCES

Tire maintenance is vital because it can help improve fuel economy in your truck as well as reduce the possibility of roadside emergencies. Check out these 3 easy tips to keep your load running smooth and efficiently.

Take Advantage of Pre-Trip Inspection

Prior to beginning every route, truckers holding a California CDL should perform a pre-trip inspection. A pre-trip inspection includes ensuring your tires are in good condition and are working properly. At this time, truck drivers should focus on inflation and inspection of their tires. It is crucial to monitor tire pressure. When tires are overinflated, less of the tire touches the ground resulting in reduced traction, which negatively affects stopping distances. However, underinflated tires result in increased friction between the tires and the ground causing them to wear prematurely. Low tire pressure may also cause tires to overheat, which could potentially lead to an accident. Tires preform best when the truck’s recommended tire pressure is maintained. Tires are created to hold a certain amount of air to efficiently carry the load. It is advised to avoid fluctuating from the recommended tire pressure.

Clean Tires & Wheels

Not only are clean tires necessary for a trucks visual aesthetics, but they ensure durability. Washing wheel and tires should be a key component in every truck driver’s maintenance routine because brake dust and other elements on the road including salt can eat away at the rubber causing them to crack and deteriorate. The next time your tasked with cleaning your truck, ensure your wheels are squeaky clean.

Pay Attention to Driving Habits

Last but not least, poor driving habits are a leading issue in tread wear. Habits to break include speeding, last minute braking and excessive tire spinning in snow and ice. These habits often result in curbing and the creation of flat spots.   An easy way to break these poor driving habits is to consider brushing up on your truck driver education through a CDL Refresher Course. Advanced Career Institute offers hands-on Class A CDL Training and CDL Refresher Courses to brush up your California CDL skills. ACI offers a variety of options for Professional Truck Driver Training. To learn more about brushing up your California CDL skills, head over to our CDL Refresher Course page!

Have you ever dreamed of working for NASA or navigating the ocean floor? A career in welding might just give you the opportunity you’re looking for! Keep reading to learn interesting facts about professional welders.

A Variety of Career Paths to Choose From

Welders have the opportunity to choose from a variety of career options. Many welders choose to work in manufacturing or construction. However, professional welders have the chance to work in Underwater Welding, robotics, military support, NASCAR, or NASA. Whether you have a passion for high speed racing or desire to working alongside the military, there is a career in welding for you.

Opportunities to Travel

One of the greatest perks of welding is the opportunity to travel to places you may have never been before. Professional welders may work to repair cruise ships or pipe lines, allowing for extended time out at sea and along different coast lines. Additionally, if a welder chooses to work in motor sports, the welder will travel with the pit crew, and have the chance to visit to racetracks in major cities around the country. Lastly, with underwater welding, professional welders have the ability to explore the ocean floor.

Welders are in High Demand

The average age of welders is nearly 55 years old. This means that many welders will begin retiring in the next decade or so, opening up many positions for aspiring welders. Additionally, welding techniques are similar amongst most professionals which makes welders very versatile giving them the ability to switch between professions easily. This makes professional welders a hot commodity to employers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California has the second highest level of employment of welders. This mean that job prospects for welding training graduates looks promising!

Short, Affordable Welder Training Programs

A 4-year college degree is not required to become a professional welder. If continued education does not suit your lifestyle, welder training programs may be perfect for you! Advanced Career Institute offers hands-on Welding Training Courses at three California campuses located in Merced, Fresno and Visalia. Welding Training takes anywhere from 24-38 weeks to complete. With the help of ACI, you will be on your way to beginning your new welding career in no time!   To learn more about becoming a professional welder, head over to our California Welding Training Page!

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.

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.

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.

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!