NTTS Training Day 1

Troy, Thanks for the day by day. I had a NTTTS rep come to my house last week and He was pushing the 540 hr course in N Andover Ma. The price was ( r u sitting? ) $ 10, 250.00 for 5 mths of classes. OMG!!! I have been studying and I have a friend who went to another school and is driving local right out of school. Anyway, my main concern and was not answered to my liking was the recruiting by companies during school. Of course He said oh yeah they come in and talk to you. Most don't get hired but some do. Impressed? Not at all. Why the hell would I spend that kind of money to have a license and no where to use it? So I'm still studying and checking into different options. But I'm studying until I make the decision. Good Luck Sir. Keep us posted. We need the input. Mark

Well day 5 and week 1 came to an end. I feel very prepared for the learners permit test on Tuesday. Once that's complete we can focus on some real practical learning . We also had our first company come for a visit, Gypsum Express. Pretty interesting presentation, and a place that I could see myself driving for. They did have a few negatives however, such as no tuition reimbursement, so I'll have to see what others offer. Still it's nice to know we are all wanted for the most part!

Next week I'll start a new blog and call them NTTS WEEK NUMBER 2 (and so on) from here on out (hopefully that's acceptable Brett?)

Anyway look for my continuation next week and have a great weekend!

Troy

Mark, I'm not sure about that particular school, but here the graduate to placed job percentage is in the high 90 percent rate. In many cases students are hired before even finishing. We have recruiters here each week sometimes several a week sharing about their company's specific benefits.

The cost is fairly high here as well but most carriers offer some tuition reimbursement incentives and/or sign on bonuses. Unless a student didn't want to work, the possibility of getting a job right out of school is practically 100%!

Good luck with your research and decision, the number of options is mind boggling!

Troy

Well today, day 3, went similarly to days 1 & 2 with one exception. For about half of the day we had a different instructor come and teach which was quite interesting. He has over 30 years experience driving just about every type of route imaginable so his stories were entertaining and educational.

One thing I like about having more time at this school is we get to spend a lot of time asking questions and hearing different experiences from the different instructors. I'm definitely getting more and more excited about getting started in this career, and right now 18 weeks seems like an eternity but I know I will be well prepared .

Next week once we have our learner's permits, we will continue in the class studying log books, map reading and trip routing.

See you after day 4!

Troy

18 weeks? Why is your school so long? That's like 9 months! What the heck are they training you? I always thought that 4 weeks was long.

Kenneth it's 4 1/2 months but who's counting lol This school covers a lot in more detail and at a slower pace and also get a lot more time behind the wheel than the company programs I believe. Plus there are other courses that cover fork lift use, dispatch, advanced mapping etc that isn't typically covered in a shorter program.

Troy

Yes sir that's how long this course is. And the same format as well. Slow but very thorough. I asked on the site and was basically told that was crazy. You get the same training in a mth you will get in 5. My concern is as I said, getting the license and then pouring coffee at DD or something. I have a few hurtles to jump before I can make a final decision. Best of Luck buddy.

Kenneth it's 4 1/2 months but who's counting lol This school covers a lot in more detail and at a slower pace and also get a lot more time behind the wheel than the company programs I believe. Plus there are other courses that cover fork lift use, dispatch, advanced mapping etc that isn't typically covered in a shorter program.

Troy

Mine is 19 weeks, however I'm only going weekends. That way i can keep my job until i get close to being done then then i will give my notice. I think longer is better in my opinion. I truly want to prosper in this career change.

Good luck to you too Mark, Keep us posted!

Agreed Stacie! I'm much more comfortable going at a slower pace. Especially when you hear horror stories of new drivers getting in accidents because they were pushed through too quickly. It is a long time to wait, but I'll be so well prepared when I'm done. Good luck to you in your new career!

Troy

Well day 5 and week 1 came to an end. I feel very prepared for the learners permit test on Tuesday. Once that's complete we can focus on some real practical learning . We also had our first company come for a visit, Gypsum Express. Pretty interesting presentation, and a place that I could see myself driving for. They did have a few negatives however, such as no tuition reimbursement, so I'll have to see what others offer. Still it's nice to know we are all wanted for the most part!

Next week I'll start a new blog and call them NTTS WEEK NUMBER 2 (and so on) from here on out (hopefully that's acceptable Brett?)

Anyway look for my continuation next week and have a great weekend!

Troy

Hi Troy I am considering a career change into the Trucking business (Driver). I am kind of confused about when you said that Gypsum did not offer tuition reimbursement. I do understand Company sponsored training but I thought you are already in a training class? Sorry for the newbie question. Keep the post comming!!

HDHP

Mine is 19 weeks, however I'm only going weekends. That way i can keep my job until i get close to being done then then i will give my notice. I think longer is better in my opinion. I truly want to prosper in this career change.

Stacie That is the type of school I would need to go to! Something on the weekends and company sponsored... I'm not sure if there are any out there tho??? I live in Michigan if anybody knows please chime in!

Thank You

HDHP

HDHP,

I'm not sure about Stacie, but I am in a private trucking school as opposed to company sponsored. The main difference is the private school is like any college where you have to pay for tuition either out of your own pocket or with student loan and any available grants. I was fortunate enough to qualify for the Pell Grant since I'm laid off and unemployed, so the student loan portion wasn't too bad. Many companies offer tuition reimbursement to help you pay back student loans if this is the type of schooling that you chose to do.

I personally chose this route rather than company-sponsored because I like the slower pace of learning as opposed to the short period of time and then jumping on the road quickly as is how it is with a company sponsored program. Dont get me wrong, many people choose that way and it works well for them, and many have become successful drivers that way. It just wasn't something I was comfortable with. Also, my school is about 10 minutes from my house so I don't have to go to another state for 4 to 6 weeks and be away from my family while I'm in school which is a huge advantage.

I Hope that answers your questions. Good luck with your decision, there area many great options to choose from!

Troy