Profile For MsJamie

I've read several experiences on the forums concerning swifts program. I don't understand the reasons so many don't survive their training there. I am planning to drive the 5 hr trip and don't want to fall on my face or have some uncontrollable reason to have to turn around and go back home.

Yes, I registered specifically to reply to a year old thread. Normally, I leave such things alone, but this thread came up early on a web search, and I felt that this should be answered for others wondering the same thing.

I attended Swift Academy in Richmond, VA in June 2013. We started with 20 students, and lost half of them along the way.

We lost two before class even started because they didn't bring the necessary paperwork. Swift isn't going to train you unless they know they can hire you afterward. (That *is* Swift's reason for having the Academies.)

Three failed the drug test. If you're taking Vicodin or any other legal prescription medication that shows up on a urine test, you MUST have some sort of doctor's note; your recruiter can give the details. If you're using something else... don't even bother applying. You will NOT get past the drug test. These people have seen everything.

Two more got tossed out the next day due to stupidity... After passing the drug test, they spent the evening "toking up" in their car in the hotel parking lot.

One left due to a death in the family. I was told that he would be allowed to return without penalty.

Two failed due to failed exams. We were tested in four areas (pretrip, backing, road, and classroom). Fail one, and you get a chance to re-take it. Fail a second, and you're out. These two weren't taking the school seriously.

Academy is "serious business", as are all the company sponsored schools. You have a LOT to learn in those three weeks, and you will have to spend some of your "off time" studying your notes. This is NOT a "gimme" class. Go in with the attitude that you want to "ace" the class and are willing to work for it, and you'll do well.

I've talked with many others who have gone through the various schools, and I've also attended Prime's "PSD" orientation (had to leave due to personal reasons). The drug test is responsible for most of the "early departures", and most of the rest fall under the heading "failure to follow directions".

Think of Academy as a three week job interview, because that's exactly what it is. You can pass your schooling and get your CDL, but not get a job offer from Swift. It's rare, but it has happened.

Be clean, pay attention, and follow instructions, and you'll get that coveted CDL with your name on it. :)