Graduate February 2002

Truck Driver Training Program

I received training as an IT professional with an Associate of Applied Science in Information Management Systems and graduated in September of 2001. After 9/11, the economy and job market in the IT industry bottomed out. I wanted a job that was not dependant on a fluctuating economy so I made the transition to the transportation industry.

I graduated from Transportation Center for Excellence in February of 2002. One week before graduating I received a job offer from Swift. Since that time I not only completed my on the job training (which was excellent) two weeks early, I have been assigned my own company truck and am now a Certified Driver Trainer for the company. Within less than one year I went from trainee to trainer and am now getting ready to start training my 6th student. The pay equals or exceeds what I would have made starting out in the IT field. Solo drivers make $30-35,000/year and trainers make $52-60,000/year. The benefits are excellent; free medical, low cost dental, employee stock purchase plan and a 401(K) retirement program. There's lots of work available, good home time and it's like getting paid to travel the country.

The training that TCE provides is by far superior to that of similar schools. The students I have trained that were graduates of TCE are much more prepared and have much better driving skills. As a former graduate of TCE, I know exactly what these students were taught which makes my job so much easier because I was there myself (in their shoes) and can relate and pass on my knowledge and experiences because of the common reference. In addition to training student drivers I also conduct new-hire road tests for our orientation department and out of all the new hires that I have tested I have not had to fail one from TCE due to lack of knowledge or driving ability.

I chose TCE because the financing was easy and I was able to start immediately. The training prepared me very well for the CDL test and I passed the road test on the 1st try with a 95%, which I couldn't have done on my own without actual backing and driving experience. One thing that stands out about the training is they don't just teach for the CDL tests, they teach how to drive in the industry. The instructors were outstanding and provided a training environment that was relaxed, casual and stress free. The office staff was very helpful; if anything was needed I just had to ask. I've referred people to TCE with high recommendation.

I like truck driving because of the variety of work available (local, regional and coast to coast) and it's not the same old routine day in and day out. I am truly grateful to the entire staff and faculty of TCE for whom which the success that I have had would not have been possible.

Sincerely, 

Scott McDowell

Driver Trainer

Swift Transportation