Graduate January 2003

Truck Driver Training Program with Externship

I decided to train at Transportation Center for Excellence because I couldn't find work. I'm a high school graduate and attended college for a year, but I never was one for college.   I was in the music industry for 15 years and held positions such as CEO and Lighting Director, Designer and Technician for a lighting and design company; Vice President for a punk rock label; Road and Tour Manager; Stage, Sound, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drum and Keyboard Technician; Gaffer, Key Grip (electrician), Grip and Runner; and Bass Player.  At 44, I decided to retire from the music business and leave the party lifestyle and world tours.   I knew how to drive a tour bus and always wanted to be a truck driver but never had the chance.   People told me if you want it, it's there and I was determined to get my CDL.   I prayed for it and God made it happen.   After I passed my CDL tests I was 50% away from making my dream come true.   I finished training with a 91% from hard work.   I was pre-hired with Werner and after graduation I was able to finish the 8-week externship in 6 weeks.   What I like best about them is their paperless logs and receipts.   I'm happy with my current salary and the benefits are awesome.   Being a diabetic, medical insurance is important to me and they have the best, Blue Cross Blue Shield.   Werner takes care of their own and the drivers come first, in fact a truck driver started the company. They took a chance on me when other companies wouldn't.   I started driving over the road and now drive a dedicated route.   Everyone talks about how truck drivers are a rough bunch, but they look after their own.   If you go into a truck stop there is always someone to talk to and to help you out.   What impressed me most about going to TCE was that the instructors had a lot of truck driving experience compared to other schools where the instructors learned about truck driving online.   One of my favorite things about the training was the one-on-one training I received from the entire faculty - instructors and company personnel.   I liked the pre-trip inspection with Art, learning to back with Jerry and John, classroom with Don Ohmann and chats with Sandy and the rest of the faculty, Mary, Del, Ryan and Ron.   I didn't have enough confidence in myself and Sandy boosted my confidence.   I also liked their professionalism.   They were able to joke and be serious making training enjoyable and safe.   I was able to pay for my training through a State student loan and grant, Workforce Investment Act assistance and tuition reimbursement from Werner.   If you're looking through the paper and you're at wits end, look for the little ad that says get your CDL and take a chance, if I can do it you can do it.

James Villesvik