CAREER TRAINING RESOURCES

The commercial use of metals in the construction of equipment, buildings, ships and airplanes has created terrific employment opportunities. Welders can earn good salaries because of their skills. Although welders can earn a lot of money, the job can be hazardous due to high temperatures, materials and work environments. For those on an arc welding path, always put safety first. Here are some welding safety tips to keep in mind.

Electricity

Arc and other forms of welding use high voltage electrical equipment. The power can range from 20 to 100 volts. Death can result from exposure to less than 50 volts under certain conditions. It’s imperative that you understand and respect electricity. Never work in a wet or damp space. These include puddles, ground water or even where someone spills a coffee. Never handle electrified materials without safety gloves. If you are holding an electrified tool or material and touch another conductor, this can complete an electrical circuit right through your body.

Fire

The heat of a welding arc can hit 10,000 degrees. Be certain that you are not working near any combustible materials. Keep in mind that the arc itself does not have to touch other materials to start a fire. The sheer heat can start a blaze. Also, arc spatter is like shooting off a Roman candle. Work at least 35 feet away from flammable materials.

Safety Equipment

Always wear a complete outfit of safety equipment that includes rated clothing, gloves, face shield, safety glasses, and hearing protection. In commercial settings, you are not only protecting yourself from your own work, but also from those around you. Here are some of the common injuries caused by poor safety gear.

• Eye protection: Arc rays can cause what welders call “arc flash” that damages your eyesight. It can occur from other welders working to your side or even behind you. Also, small metal shards can become embedded in your eyes.
• Rated Clothing: High UV radiation produced by arc rays can cause intense skin burns. Welding spatter can burn through inadequate gear. Cover up.
• Ear Plugs: The high decibels from welding and metal gauging can damage your hearing.
• Helmets: Accidents such as falling materials can occur in industrial setting. Protect your head.

Welders enjoy a tremendous trade that has an excellent future. Always place safety as your highest priority and arc on! Learn more about welding techniques and safety tips through our welder training program. Check out our calendar to see when the next welding class starts.

Starting a new career is not the easiest thing in the world, whether you’re fresh out of high school or choosing a new occupation after several years in another job. If you’re choosing trucking as a career, unless you know people in the industry, you might have even more uncertainty. This guide will lead you through the process of becoming a truck driver, starting with helping you decide whether trucking is the preferred path for you, and continuing through earning a CDL and finding the endorsements right for you. Your Guide to Becoming a Truck Driver - Part 1: Is Truck Driving Right For Me? Before leaping right into any ol' CDL school, you should first consider whether it’s even the right choice for you. Do you have the right temperament to sit behind the wheel of a truck all day? Can you handle the physical demands? Trucking is without a doubt a physical profession that takes a toll on your body. The truck subjects you to constant shaking and vibrating. The work days can be exhausting. If the lifestyle of an over-the-road truck driver doesn’t appeal to you, or you don't think you could handle the mental demands of being away from home for extended periods of time, you still have options. Many national and local companies have local or regional routes which can get you home more often than OTR routes. There is also the option of working for a small, local hauling or trucking company. There are trade-offs, of course. While you may earn more money working as an OTR truck driver, you will be home less. Where as you could earn less at a smaller, local company, but be home nightly. Another factor to consider: if you are uncomfortable spending long periods of time alone, you may struggle as an OTR truck driver. Unless you are driving teams, truck drivers spend hours each day by themselves. If you get bored easily and need to be around people, you can still become a truck driver. Just know that you will have to search harder for companies that meet your needs. Luckily, the Career Services department works closely with many national and local trucking companies, and can help place you in a driving position you are comfortable with. Have we scared you away yet? Trucking seems like it would be a simple job, but talk to any trucker and you'll see it's definitely not. But, if you think you can handle the job, read on to the rest of this series. The next articles will help guide you through earning your CDL and finding employment as a truck driver. If you're ready to take the next step towards a career in the truck driving industry, the right training makes all the difference. Learn how ACI can help you reach your career goals! Fill out the form you see on this page, or give us a call at 1-877-649-9614. If you'd like more information on the Truck Driver CDL Training Programs available at Advanced Career Institute, please contact us or visit www.advanced.edu/programs Other Articles in This Series: Your Guide to Becoming a Commercial Truck Driver Part 2. Finding the Right School Part 3. CDL Training Part 4: CDL Endorsements

Advanced Career Institute is sponsoring our 8th annual community service event for the holidays: Toys for Tots & Gifts for Seniors! Last year we were able to collect and distribute toys to several hundred children! * * Unfortunately, we ran short on senior citizen gifts and were not able to fulfill all requests - so we really need help for those individuals! * * Toys for Tots: We are collecting new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages! Gifts for Seniors: We are collecting as many basic need items as possible for our less fortunate senior citizens. Items include new blankets, slippers, socks, basic need toiletries, etc...

From the US Census Bureau: 

19.2% of Visalia residents live at or below poverty level, 
and as many as 7500 kids in Visalia alone are at or below poverty level.

Approx. 2500 seniors 65 years of age and older are below poverty level in Visalia Ca.

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In addition to our regular gift collection, the event on Sunday will also include a LIFE Car Show from 11:00am-4:00pm! Entry Fee:  Donation of a gift for either a child or senior citizen is requested. Trophies will be awarded! [gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="9803,9802,9804"]     If you have any questions about this event, would like to request gifts for a child or senior, or you know of a child or senior citizen that is in need, please contact Larry by email or phone: [email protected]; office: <a href="tel:15596511978">(559) 651-1978</a>    

EDITORS NOTE: Class B CDL training is no longer offered at ACI. Check out all of our CDL training programs offered HERE. Looking for work in the white-collar world can be tough. You need top-notch education and training, which can be very expensive and time-consuming. Perhaps you’ve thought of making a major career change. Finding a new profession can be much easier in the blue-collar world. Professions in the blue-collar world that are always in need are those requiring people with CDL licenses. People with CDL licenses drive semis, school buses, and other labor-based vehicles. While you still need specific training, you’d be able to obtain your career goal in a much shorter time frame. If you already drive a car or truck, studying for a CDL license is relatively easy to do.

What is a CDL License?

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) serves several purposes. First and foremost, it lets prospective employers know you’re a qualified, professional driver. Drivers that hold CDL status must have good working knowledge of weight limits, vehicle size and vehicle control. Secondly, a CDL license endorses what you can drive and what weights you can tow. Endorsements for a CDL license are tested separately. There are also several categories of CDL licenses. The categories, or classes, of CDL licenses are A, B, and C. Classes A and B are broken down into commercial and non-commercial use. Class C licenses are broken down into commercial and basic use. What you can tow with the licenses is broken down into Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Motorcycle licenses are another form of CDL. Below is the information regarding commercial towing and driving information for the State of California:

Commercial Class A CDL license holders can tow the following:

[caption id="attachment_9933" align="alignright" width="198"] Class A CDL training with full size tractor trailer combination vehicles.[/caption] - Single vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. (semi tractor-trailers) - Trailer buses or more than one vehicle (tandem trailers). These types of vehicles need special endorsements. - Any vehicles that fall under the categories of Class B and/or C. You are able to drive vehicles that are: - Any legal combination of the vehicles listed in Class A - Vehicles of any type that are rated for Class B and/or C drivers

Commercial Class B CDL license holders can tow the following:

[caption id="attachment_9942" align="alignright" width="199"] Class B CDL training for bus drivers using both commercial buses and school buses.[/caption] - Single vehicles rated with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less - Vehicles of any type that are rated for Class C drivers You are able to drive the following with a Class B license: - Single vehicles with a GVWR weighing 26,000 lbs. or more - 3-axle vehicles that weigh more than 6,000 lbs - A bus (except a trailer bus), or any farm labor vehicle. Endorsements are needed for these particular vehicles. - All vehicles that fall under Class C licensing Licensing regulations change periodically. You’ll need to check your State guidelines for the most up-to-date information.

Who Can Benefit From a CDL License?

Having a CDL license opens many doors for employment opportunities for both men and women. For individuals with families at home, there are many trucking companies with regional or local jobs that get their drivers home each night. Driving and towing certain weights isn’t difficult, as long as you follow the regulations regarding log books. Finding loads is handled for you by dispatchers with your company. Semi-driving is only one of many options for you if you obtain a CDL license. There are plenty of positions driving straight trucks or buses. Bus drivers can find work for schools or tour buses. Once you’ve made the decision to obtain a CDL license, companies that you work for may have programs available in order for you to add endorsements for specific jobs. Getting endorsements for additional weight limits or job types will require a little more time, but is well worth adding to your license. Sure, working a typical 9-to-5 job has its benefits. Having a CDL license has just as many - it also offers the perk of a daily change of scenery. For more information on how you can get your Class A or Class B CDL, call us at 1-877-649-9614 or fill out the form. We’ll answer any questions you have, and help you get your new career started today!

Our Fresno welding students just completed a fabrication project for our campus in Fresno. A lot of hard work went into making these benches! We are always proud when our students accomplish great things. We are especially excited to be able to show these off to those that visit or attend our school!

You've put a lot of thought into it, and you’ve made your decision - you’re ready to begin trucking school. That's great! Now, your first step is choosing a CDL school. The number of schools to pick from depends on where you live. When you're looking at your options, there are different criteria to consider. The bottom line is you want attend a quality school that helps produce safe and successful truck drivers. Become the best driver you can be by taking your time and choosing the school that is best for you.

Setting Up an Appointment

One good way is meeting with a few schools in your area to learn more about them. At ACI, you'll first set up an appointment with one of our school Admissions Representatives who will answer any questions you have about enrollment and tuition assistance. You'll also receive a tour of any of our three campuses. Another way is to join in on the conversations on Facebook, and talk with students and graduates to learn about their ACI experience. Once you’ve chosen a school, you can begin the real work. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires drivers to meet certain health and wellness standards in order to drive a truck. Most importantly, before you can pursue a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you must pass a medical exam. The Admissions Representatives at ACI can help you find the appropriate medical facility so you can get the required Driver’s DOT Medical Examination Card. They'll also go over the entire enrollment process, including finding and applying for appropriate student loans, or help you identify appropriate grants you can use.

Beginning the Enrollment Process

Keep in mind there are certain factors* that play a huge role in qualifying for CDL training. Students are required to complete a drug test with a negative result upon enrollment. They are also subject to random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with DOT regulations. Additionally, students are asked the following specific questions prior to enrollment in any of our CDL training programs:

• Do you have any moving violations or vehicular accident(s) in the last 3 years?
• Do you have any tickets pending?
• Have you ever had your drivers license suspended/revoked, or are there any restrictions on your license?
• Have you ever been convicted of a DWI, DUI, or careless driving?
• Do you have any Alcohol or Drug violations?

Truck driving is a job that requires trust. Employers cannot fully trust drivers who have a record of traffic infractions. Your reputation will precede you, so make sure you have a good one. So, take your time and look at your options to determine the school that's right for you. Doing a bit of research will go a long way in your career training.

Learn More About ACI

If you're ready to take the next step towards a career in the truck driving industry, the right training makes all the difference. Learn how ACI can help you reach your career goals! Fill out the form you see on this page, or give us a call at 1-877-649-9614. If you'd like more information on the Truck Driver CDL Training Programs available at Advanced Career Institute, please contact us or visit www.advanced.edu/programs *Advanced Career Institute is an Equal Opportunity Educational institution and does not discriminate in the recruitment and admission of students with respect to race, color, creed, sex, age, handicap, disability, national origin, or any other legally protected characteristic. Applicants should be aware, however, that there are U.S. Department of Transportation physical requirements that must be met for admission into any of our Transportation programs. More information can be obtained from the Admission’s department or by reviewing our School Catalog and Handbook here. Other Articles in This Series: Your Guide to Becoming a Commercial Truck Driver Part 1: Is Truck Driving Right For Me? Part 3. CDL Training Part 4: CDL Endorsements