CAREER TRAINING RESOURCES

Bakersfield, CA – Advanced Career Institute would like to announce their newest location in Bakersfield, California. Their new school is located at 2925 Mosasco St. Unit B, Bakersfield, CA 93312, the former John Lopez Welding School. ACI had their first welding class start on Wednesday, July 24, 2018. President of Advanced Career Institute, Barry Bither said, “It is with great excitement that I am able to announce we opened with our first welding class in Bakersfield… All of our staff has done a great job getting the new campus off to a great start. We have completed the purchase of John Lopez Welding School and wish John all the best in his retirement. In the next few weeks, we will be diligently working on adding all of our truck driving programs to the new campus. Please welcome the new employees we are adding to the ACI family.” The new Bakersfield Campus will have both Welding and CDL Training. The Welding Training will consist of the Advanced Welding Technology Program that lasts 38-weeks and a new Basic Plate Welding Program that will last 5-weeks. The CDL Training programs at the Bakersfield Campus will consist of their Professional Truck Driver Program, lasting 4-weeks, and the more advanced Agriculture Transportation Training Course lasting 20-weeks. The first transportation class start date will be August 13, 2018. Like all ACI Campuses, Bakersfield students will gain the quality education and training needed to start a new career. Advanced Career Institute programs combine both hands-on experience and in-class technical training. ACI offers financial aid to those who qualify. The Admissions staff will work with every student to determine their eligibility, and then help them apply for financial aid. The Career Services staff will provide students with the tools that are necessary to find employment, which includes helping them search and apply for current job openings. All staff and instructors at Advanced Career Institute are excited about this new school opening in Bakersfield and the potential to help new students begin their careers in trucking and welding. For more information about our Bakersfield Campus and the training programs provided, call us at 661-535-1480.  

We all know that there's currently a huge truck driver shortage. The need to transport items to and from stores only continues to grow, even as the baby boomers start to retire from their careers, including trucking. Now is your perfect time to step in. You can be the solution to this shortage, and the time has never been better. You're confident that you can handle the big rigs. Now you're ready to take the leap and begin training at Advanced Career Institute. Before you start this journey of a lifetime, let's take a look at some of the traits shared by all top-notch truckers:

Endurance

Truck drivers are in it for the long haul. You should be capable of staying alert for long periods of time. If you're able to sustain your energy on long car trips without shaking yourself awake, you have one of the most important assets required of a truck driver.

Focus

You're not distracted by notifications on your phone. You're able to focus your attention where it belongs, on the safe operation of your vehicle. You keep your eyes on the road.

Excellent Awareness

You never understood why people make such a big deal out of parallel parking their little cars. You're able to park in tight spaces and maneuver your way through narrow city streets and dark, endless roads - no problem.

Punctuality

You keep your word and show up on time. It's important to you to get the job done because you know that people are relying on you. In trucking, you must be self-motivated to keep on schedule.

You're Okay Being Alone

You enjoy your alone time - in fact, you treasure it. You've always been perfectly happy to do your own thing. If this describes you, trucking may be the ideal lifestyle for you.   If you have all of these traits, you have already begun your journey toward becoming a truck driver! The next step is simple - contact us at Advanced Career Institute to begin training for your goals! You're ready for the job of a lifetime - driving solo and experiencing what life has to offer on the open road.

Over the years, many misconceptions have developed about what it's like to be a truck driver. The truth is that truck driving is growing at a steady rate with opportunities left and right for qualified individuals. Unfortunately, getting some people to think beyond what they have heard or been told, isn't always easy. Here are five common misconceptions about truck driving and the real truth about each.

1. There's No Money in Trucking

The truth is that wages for truck drivers are better than ever! Companies are looking for reliable individuals that are properly qualified. Because every company is going after the same talent pool, they are highly competitive when it comes to pay. Often, you can even get reimbursed for your truck driver training classes.

2. You're Gone all the Time

While this is the case for some types of drivers, it's important to know that there are all kinds of truck driving jobs. Many of these jobs are regional and/or local that will put you home at the end of your workday. Just because you drive a truck doesn't mean that you have to go across the country for weeks at a time.

3. It's a Lonely Life

Truck driving allows for meeting, communicating and working with a lot of different people. Truck drivers will meet new people all the time, with opportunities to share the bond of the road. With modern technology in many trucks, drivers can stay connected and have conversations with just about anyone even while they drive.

4. Uncomfortable Living Arrangements

If you look at most of the trucks on the road today, you might notice that there are actually pretty roomy sleeping cabs. Truck drivers don't have to be uncomfortable when they pull over to get some rest. They can only drive a certain amount of time each day, giving them plenty of opportunity for rest in a comfortable environment, even when on the road.

5. Men Only

There are a high number of women that drive trucks for a living. The profession is not just for men, with women being accommodated and welcomed in every segment of the trucking industry. Don't let gender get in the way of a very inclusive and equal opportunity profession.   These are just some of the many misconceptions that people have about the trucking industry. If you are interested in taking the next step into the exciting world of truck driving, contact us to help get you started down the path to success in this booming industry.

The trucking industry is chronically short of drivers, and that isn't likely to be fixed anytime soon. For someone considering a career in trucking, this is great news. Jobs are plentiful and companies are paying their truckers more than ever.

Why the Shortage

The main reason for the driver shortage is the increased need for cargo moving at the same time many baby boomers are aging out of driving jobs. Amazon and Walmart are examples of the increased need for cargo movement, selling increasingly more items by the internet. The economy is humming as well, which increases the number of goods moving over the roads. Additionally, Electronic monitoring and maximum hours rules have increased the number of days it takes to complete longer trips. The improved safety is a plus, but longer trip times also mean an increase in the number of drivers needed.

Why it will Continue

At a time when more drivers are needed, there are many older truckers hanging up their driving gloves to retire. Dan Leathers, head of Werner Enterprises, recently told NPR in an interview that the average trucker is 10 years older than the average worker. This means the aging of boomers hits trucking harder than other industries. In their 2017 Truck Driver Shortage Analysis, ATA's chief economist estimated the driver shortage would increase to 174,000 by the year 2026 and that hiring would need to be about 90,000 drivers per year to meet demand.

How it will Improve

According to a survey by American Trucking Associations (ATA) of 100,000 drivers, pay for truckers rose 15 percent from 2013 to 2017. And the increase was even better, at 18 percent, for drivers working for private fleets. Improved benefits and bonuses are also being used to attract more drivers. For those entering the trucking profession, that's bright news. If you're interested in a secure job that pays well, or if you're just looking over career options, feel free to contact us at Advanced Career Institute. We'd be glad to talk with you!

It can get lonely on the road. Many trucking companies have realized that an easy way to boost the morale of drivers is to allow truckers to bring a friend on the trip—especially a four-legged friend! If you're one of the lucky drivers working for a pet-friendly company, it's important to make sure you understand all the company's and your pet's requirements before setting out on the road together.

Check Your Company's Regulations

• Types of pets allowed
• Weight and size restrictions for pets
• Additional fees for damage and cleaning
• Where pets are permitted in your truck
• Waiting period before pets are allowed

All pet-friendly companies allow dogs, but some also allow cats. A few even allow any pet as long as it's not aggressive. If you have a cat or other pet, check with your company to find out if they allow non-canine companions. Many companies have weight restrictions on any accompanying pet. They will likely charge fees to cover damage your pet may do to the truck or to pay for cleaning the truck. If your pet damages your truck beyond any required fees, then you will be responsible for the repairs. Definitely make sure your pet is well-trained and well-behaved before hitting the road. Most companies also have a trial period of a few months before you can bring your pet with you on trips. As companies develop their pet policies, they often update their rules and regulations, so stay up-to-date on any changes along the way.

Basics of Having a Pet on the Road

• Bring pet vaccination records
• Get a Certificate Of Veterinary Inspection for crossing state lines
• Train your pet on which parts of the truck are off-limits
• Have plenty of blankets, toys, and treats
• Bring a leash and poop bags for stops
• Bring cleaning supplies for any accidents
• Have a travel crate for delivery and pick-up stops
• Bring plenty of water

Once you get the green light from your company and you can bring your furry friend with you. You will first want to make sure they enjoy the ride as much as you before they join full-time. As exciting as it is to be on the road, it can also be nerve-racking and exhausting for some pets. That's why it's important to make sure they are as comfortable as possible. Bring blankets and toys and treats to keep them warm, occupied, and rewarded. Remember to bring a leash for walks at rest stops and bags to clean up after your dog (you should also have cleaning supplies for accidents between rest stops). Most pick-up and delivery stops don't allow dogs to roam free. You will want to bring a travel crate to ensure your pet doesn't accidentally escape while you load and unload. Most importantly, you should always make sure you have plenty of water on hand for your pet, especially on those hot days. As for the legal side of things, the FMCSA is fine with pets in the cab as long as safe driving isn't compromised. Train your pet to stay away from your clutch and brakes and other parts of the truck that may be off-limits. When it comes to the safety of your pet, they must be up-to-date on all their vaccinations, and you need to have proof of vaccination for authorities. If your route takes you across state borders, you should also have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to speed up inspection.

Bringing Your Pet Along for the Ride

If you're excited about the potential of bringing a pet on the road, the first step is finding out which companies are the right fit for you. Trucking Truth is a great resource and has created a helpful list of pet-friendly companies and their basic restrictions. Once you find a company that fits both your trucking and pet aspirations, take the time to thoroughly understand the pet rules. Having a pet on the road is a joy, but it does require more work than riding alone. If you're prepared, it makes everything run more smoothly. If you or a loved one is embarking on a career in trucking, then you've come to the right place! Contact us to learn more about our training program and how we can help you achieve your career goals.

New welding students often have a lot of questions. These questions can range anywhere from work prospects and equipment, to history. Below are a few of the most common questions our instructors receive:

1: Where do welders work?

• Welders can work in a variety of industries, including construction, shipbuilding, industrial maintenance, repair, and manufacturing.

2: What skills are most important for a welder?

• A good welder should not only be well versed in the theory and practice of the different welding applications, but should also have strong problem-solving skills, the ability to read plans and blueprints, and have strong communication skills.

3: Is there really a difference between cheaper and more expensive auto-darkening helmets?

• Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is your first line of defense in keeping yourself safe. It is important to read ratings on products before purchase. Spending a bit more may get you a more comfortable and longer lasting helmet.

4: What are the most common types of welding used for?

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): This type of stick welding is most commonly used in industrial fabrication applications to weld iron and steel, fabricate steel structures, and can be used in the shop or in the field.
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG): This is the most common type of industrial welding, and is a bit faster than SMAW because of the continuous electrode wire feed. This application can also be used in the shop or in the field for fabrication.
• Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW): FCAW is most commonly used in portable applications to weld thick and out of position metals.
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG): TIG welding is most commonly used to weld thin sections of stainless steel and copper, aluminum or magnesium alloys.

5: When was welding first used?

• The first historical evidence of a welding process dates back to the Bronze Age. During this time there is evidence of pressure welding being used to create small gold boxes. Later on, people in Egypt and Mediterranean learned how to weld pieces of iron together to make tools.

At Advanced Career Institute, students gain the quality education and training needed to start a new career. Our Welding Program combines both hands-on experience and in-class technical training for California truck driving, commercial and school bus driving, and welding. We have three campuses located throughout California's Central San Joaquin Valley in Fresno, Visalia, and Merced, California. If you are interested in a career in welding or learning more about our programs, please contact us.