CAREER TRAINING RESOURCES

As we head into a new year, many experts are turning their attention to what one can expect from the welding industry as we move into 2019. Overall, the industry experts weighing in say that the upcoming year looks quite bright for those who are interested in training to become welders. Consumer demand is increasing at a modest rate and that means that the demand for welders will continue to grow. Pay and compensation have stayed quite high and the standard of living a welder can have is relatively competitive with many other professions of today.

A Look Into Welding's Future: 2019 and Beyond

As we ring in 2019, welders are making a median entry-level wage of about $40,000+ per year which averages out to about $19-20 per hour. The field is also accessible to most Americans as the requirements to begin the work is either a high school diploma or GED. Most welding jobs do not have previous work or experience requirements in order to be qualified to begin the job. As of 2016, there are about 404,800 welders working throughout the US. In 2019, the field is expected to grow at a steady rate of about 6%. This is about the average growth rates for most occupations in the US right now. That rate is anticipated to set the pace until at least 2026, which is for the foreseeable future. Ultimately, this means that the welding industry will add about 22,500 jobs between the years 2016 and 2026.

How Do I Get Into Welding As a Career?

Most welding programs, such as the one offered by the Advanced Career Institute, accept applicants directly out of high school or those who have received their GED (or equivalent) to apply to our program. Most programs can be completed within about 9 months from their start date and there are no previous requirements for experience in welding to be accepted into our program. Students who complete the ACI Welding Training program are able to meet the qualifications to join the American Welding Society (AWS). The AWS sets the standards for training for welders entering the industry and seeking employment in the welding field. ACI's program will qualify students for a variety of positions including horizontal, vertical, overhead, & 6G positions. This will prepare workers for a career in a variety of different areas of welding including welding for the purposes of agriculture, construction, structural metals manufacturing, machinery equipment repair/maintenance, and commercial purposes, just to name a few fields that students will be eligible to get work in.

A Positive Outlook

As the industry continues to grow at a modest rate, coming to the Advanced Career Institute can give students a head start to a great new career. Through Welding Training, students will earn their certification to join the American Welding Society (AWS) and get started in this lucrative field. Welding comes with competitive pay and full benefits. For more information on getting your American Welding Society (AWS) certification so that you can get a job in this excited, growing field, feel free to contact us Advanced Career Institute for further assistance!

As the temperatures plummet and winter sets in, many truck drivers are beginning to consider how they will prepare their truck so they can continue on working through the winter months. It's important that truck drivers are aware of how they can prepare their truck for winter to ensure they are able to handle anything the cold, frigid temperatures and ice, sleet, and snow throw at them. The following are 6 great tips to help keep truck drivers safe on the road and to help them travel safely even through the winter season's most treacherous stretches:

Keep Necessities on Hand

Should you break down on the side of the road, you should consider packing an emergency kit to help you through until someone can help you. A kit should include warm clothing and several blankets (in case you have to wait a while). Consider a supply of a couple gallons of fresh drinking water as well as portable snacks such as dried fruit, cereal bars, etc. to help keep you fed until someone can come to assist you.

Prepare An Emergency Supply Kit for Your Truck

Beyond clothes and food, other basic emergency supplies will help in the case you should break down while driving. Consider keeping extra jumper cables, flares (to help cars see you), extra flashlights, etc. in case you happen to need these items if you were to break down while on the road.

Give Your Truck an Extra Inspection

Checking over all the minor maintenance items that tend to go wrong with your truck before the winter starts can queue you if anything looks like it might be needing attention before the coldest weather arrives. Checking things like your batteries and filters and seeing if your tires need to be rotated or if your oil needs changed can help ensure that your vehicle is primed for winter. These basic steps can help you avoid a breakdown or lessen your chances of a breakdown out in the frigid cold if these things are up-to-date and in working order. Nothing is a guarantee but it's safer than not checking at all.

Check Your Antifreeze

Ensuring that you have the appropriate amount and mixture of antifreeze in your vehicle is vital when it comes to clearing windshields and windows in inclement weather. Be sure to check your antifreeze levels regularly as you use the fluid throughout the winter. Driving with ice or other precipitation particles on your windshield is not only dangerous to you but others as well. If you need to defrost till you can see move over to the side of the road and wait before driving with an obstructed view.

Have Your Breaks & Tire Traction Checked

Your breaks will need to be in their best shape in order to help you stop on snow-covered or icy roads. You will also need to ensure your tire traction is up to snuff in order to allow your vehicle to grip the road and keep you in your land during treacherous conditions.

Consider Snow Chains

Consider packing snow chains in your truck if your vehicle and the types of tires you have done well with them. Many companies will have policies on using snow chains and on when to use or not use them. Understand that appropriate conditions in which to use your snow chains for safety and which situations might be made more dangerous by snow chains rather than made safer.   These are a few great things to keep in mind when you are driving during the winter months. While you can't prepare for everything, ensuring you check over your truck each time you drive, you will ensure that you catch preventable breakdowns. In the case that rare breakdowns do happen in the cold weather, if you have emergency supplies on hand you will be prepared to wait it out until someone can come to your aid. For more information on keeping your truck safe and running smoothly as possible during the winter months, please feel free to contact us.

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."