CAREER TRAINING RESOURCES

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!

So you’re ready to be a truck driver, huh? Of course, you are. If you’re in truck driving school, chances are you’re chomping at the bit to get out of the practice truck and get into a truck that will help you earn a living. Barr-Nunn Transportation driver, Dave Casanova has been climbing into the cab of a truck for 18 years. He has experience on both the general freight and expedited side of the trucking business. In other words, he has some tips for new truck drivers. Casanova offered his tips that every new truck driver needs to know. Whether it’s managing the job, the expectations surrounding the job, and how to build experiences that counts in the industry, he has some great advice!

1. Trucking is more mental than physical.

Managing your own mental state is the secret to trucking success. “It can be a very frustrating and depressing job if you don’t carry the right mindset,” he said. “For some people, being away from the family weeks at a time can quickly become unmanageable.”

2. Don’t expect the world right out of the gate.

It’s not realistic to expect your dream job right out of trucking school. “The first job you get out of school most likely won't be the one you stay at for 20 years,” Casanova said. “This first job is where you should be learning about everything you need to be safe and compliant. This first job is where you start building a reputation for yourself as a safe, compliant driver.” Find a “Mr. Right Now” job for your first gig, then look for “Mr. Right” after you’ve gained a little experience.

3. It takes about a year to “get it.”

Things may feel a little chaotic during the first year. “To get a good handle on all the rules and regulations in trucking, it will take about a year,” he said. “The 3 biggest points to focus on are following distance, knowing the Smith System of driving, and trip planning. Remember that 80,000-lb. rigs don't stop quickly and can't be turned around as readily as a car when you miss a turn.”

4. Year one goal: no accidents.

In the midst of that first year, focus on safety. Simply finishing the year accident-free can in itself be a victory. Casanova suggests living the time-tested safety rule: “G.O.A.L. Get Out And Look,” he said. “Anytime you need to back up, you absolutely need to get out of the rig and check out your surroundings to avoid backing accidents.”

5. Know your career goals.

Know what you have, what you need, and what you want from your career, and have specific set goals. “Decide what you want out of this career,” he said. “Are you looking for maximum income? Is home time a top priority? What benefits or health insurance do you need to make you happy? Once you've got an idea of what you need to be happy, you can research companies efficiently.”

6. Don’t job hop.

Many young people switch jobs frequently in their first year, looking for the next possible big opportunity. As much as it’s not the greatest strategy outside of the trucking industry, it most definitely not in trucking. Your time of service matters greatly. “The fewer number of times you change jobs, the more likely you will wind up at a top paying carrier,” he said. “Doing your homework prior to jumping ship is crucial if your goal is working for a top tier carrier at some point.”

7. It’s all about attitude.

Remember that even with a driver shortage, your job is not always guaranteed. A carrier/driver relationship should be built on mutual benefit. “I don't believe there is a shortage of drivers. I believe there is a shortage of good drivers. Casanova said. “You want to continue to grow your reputation. By bringing a good attitude, when things get slow, you increase your chances of being a driver that gets taken care of. Be a good driver and reap the rewards.”

BONUS! -- Find a mentor. Or, better yet, mentors.

Find a few industry veterans to get advice from on the road. You want good solid resources that will help keep you from making common rookie mistakes. “Experienced drivers can be a wealth of knowledge. By finding a few that you trust to tell it to you straight, you stand to gain a lot. As you earn experience you can bounce ‘what ifs’ off of them, to see how they would handle different situations. Keep in mind though, not every experienced driver can be a mentor. You really need to be selective of whom you take advice from.”   If you're ready to get started on your new career, let Advanced Career Institute help you begin your CDL training. Advanced Career Institute provides Class A CDL training at four locations throughout California and one location in Nevada. Contact us today to begin!

Veterans who are looking for a career after their time in the military have several different options to consider as they return to civilian life. One of those that they should consider carefully is the trucking industry. From military life to the trucking industry, there seems to be a seamless transition. There is a reason several veterans have chosen the trucking life and here's why.

You Might Not Have To Take the Road Test:

Veterans who worked in the service and have at least two (2) years of experience managing heavy military equipment and machinery, may not have to take their road test. This military exemption is also known as the "Military CDL Skills Test Waiver." If the veteran has operated such heavy machinery in the last year, they will be exempt from having to take the road part of the CDL test. This waiver is in place in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This makes it one less "hurdle" that a veteran must clear to get on the road and can speed up the amount of time that it takes to start their new career.

Truck Drivers & Military Personnel Share Similarities:

Both military and professional truckers alike are relied upon to execute their jobs in a relatively independent manner once they are told what the expectations are. Both professions are expected to be punctual, reliable, and disciplined to get the job done at "whatever cost it takes". Many jobs in both professions are also done on a schedule and that schedule must be stuck to, making time management the key to the success. Considering the similarities between both jobs, the trucking industry is often a much easier transition for many veterans than a variety of other jobs would be, making the transition back to civilian life much smoother.

Financial Assistance is Available for Education:

Many veterans are eligible to receive financial assistance through the Advanced Career Institute. As an Active Duty or Military Veteran, you may be eligible for educational benefits through numerous GI Bill® programs. Funding programs are offered through the Veterans Administration for active service members, reservists, veterans, dependents, and spouses. At ACI, we provide veterans assistance through several bill and assistance programs. Check out our Veterans Assistance page for more information.

Great Salaries & Full Benefits + Job Security:

Many truck carriers are paying the upwards of $40,000+ for truck drivers beginning in their first year. Companies are offering full benefits including complete healthcare coverage, retirement benefits (many with an employee match), and vacation time. You will have job security as a truck driver is virtually guaranteed. There is a shortage of truck drivers and as consumer demand continues to increase, the number of drivers needed is projected to rise. This means that your job will not be going anywhere in the near in the foreseeable future.   If you are a veteran who is looking to obtain their CDL license and get into the truck driving industry, please feel free to contact us. All of us at Advanced Career Institute would feel honored to help you transition from military life to the trucking world. Let's get you started today!   ‘‘GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill."

EDITORS NOTE: Advanced Career Institute has discontinued our School Bus Driving Program. We still offer our Commercial Bus Driver Program at select campuses. October 15th - 19th is National School Bus Safety Week. Considering that over 25 million children ride a school bus to and from school each day, this is a great time for everyone to be on the same page far as safety goes. Participants include parents, children, teachers, administrators, bus drivers, and school officials to come together to reinforce the basics of taking school bus safety seriously. Anyone else interested in partnering with their local schools to emphasize bus safety is also encouraged to join in. For 2018 the week's theme is "My Driver - My Safety Hero!" This is meant to commemorate the bus drivers who take safety precautions each day to help keep the children they drive to and from school as safe as possible. From enforcing safety walking to the bus stop to boarding, and exiting bus drivers are an important aspect in keeping students safe. This week seeks to give families way they can work with their children to help them abide by their bus driver's rules of conduct to keep them and their driver safe while on the road.

What Are Some Ways to Help Keep My Child Safe on the School Bus?

There are simple tasks that can be done to keep children safe while on their school buses each day. Many of them only take a moment and a little bit of thought to help keep children safe. The following are a few great tips to keep your child as safe as possible while using the school bus:

• Keep every item in your child's backpack while entering and exiting the bus. Carrying loose items creates unneeded distractions.
• Leave plenty of time to get to the bus stop so you are not running to chase or catch the bus.
• If children are young, walk them to the bus stop in groups with several adults monitoring the group. This ensures that young children are safe and do not end up running out on the street or into danger by mistake.
• Walk in crosswalks, not next to, near, or around them.
• Always have children notify the driver if they drop or lose an item while entering or exiting the school bus. Stopping to try to pick the item up can be a very risky behavior.
• Emphasize the importance of staying seated at all times when the bus is in transit.
• Keep noise levels appropriate as to not provide unnecessary distractions for the driver while they are operating the vehicle.

These are just a few tips to remind your children while they are on the school bus. School buses can be a wonderful way to help children get to and from school safely, but they need to be used correctly. For more information on school bus safety or how you can make a difference by becoming a school bus driver, contact Advanced Career Institute. ACI provides Class B CDL training to help prepare you to become a bus driver!

Updated April 2022 Once you’ve completed your truck driver training courses and earned your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you still need to determine which type of driving position best suits your needs and lifestyle. Your skills are a very marketable commodity now, but it’s essential to understand and choose the right type of driving situation. There are three common types of truck driving options: local, regional, and over-the-road (OTR). Each one covers a specific area, and the salaries will vary accordingly.

Local

Local drivers are typically company drivers, which means they work for one specific company. They follow a regular route and stay within 250 miles of their home terminal.

Regional

Regional drivers work within one specified area. For instance, Fresno drivers may have a regional route covering a portion of California, Oregon, and Nevada. You may be on the road during the week and at home on weekends.

Over-The-Road (OTR)

OTR drivers can cover the lower 48 states; however, the routes and loads you carry depend mainly on the company you work for. Some companies may stay within a regional area, such as the western states, or require you to travel extensively from coast to coast. Truck drivers with a CDL are currently enjoying a marketplace that offers a great deal of opportunity. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may choose to work as a local driver, cover a larger space on the regional circuit, or span the lower 48 states as an OTR driver. The sky's the limit. When you're ready to get serious about your new career as a truck driver, give Advanced Career Institute a call. We'll be happy to meet with you to discuss the available options and possibilities.