Schneider National Apprenticeship Diary (5 Week Schneider CDL Training)

Hello all. This will be my introduction, and diary. I will begin my journey of training for my Class A CDL Monday. 12/17/2018 with Schneider. For the past few years I've been working in a call center for an insurance company that does roadside assistance. I will be leaving my job 12/15/2018 and I couldn't be happier it's just very dull, and boring. I'll be leaving behind my wife, my 2 year old son and probably miss my wife giving birth to our daughter in February. My wife is very supportive of this decision though and pushed me to go through with it. I'm mainly just happy if everything works out I'll make enough money to support my family and have a job that I'll enjoy. Can't wait to update you all next week. If you got any questions about the program or anything I'll be glad to answer.

I look forward to hearing about your training. I also live in Michigan and will be starting at a local CDL School on the 31st. I was just talking to Schneider yesterday.

Best of luck to you.

I am looking at the same program, let me know if it's all they make it out to be. Still trying to figure out what the catch is. Good Luck!

Jack is looking...

I am looking at the same program, let me know if it's all they make it out to be. Still trying to figure out what the catch is. Good Luck!

Jack...please provide some additional information on “why” you suspect there is a “catch”?

Schneider is one of the top 5 TL carriers in the US, been around for decades. Big Orange did not become this successful by practicing questionable ethics and/or deceptive tactics in training new drivers.

I’m currently in the same program through Schneider. The catch is you must work for Schneider for 12 months if u quit before then u will be responsible for the cost of the training. I am going to clement school academy on jan7th I’m exited went ahead and pass my permit test. So I don’t have to worry about that in school I’m going to go next week and get tanker hazmat and triple endorsements. Plan on paying for my physical out of pocket before I go as well so I won’t get sent home for failing a physical.

I am looking at the same program, let me know if it's all they make it out to be. Still trying to figure out what the catch is. Good Luck!

Seems to me that all of the "training companies" have a nine month to fifteen month required employment period to repay for the training they gave. sounds likke a condition of employment to me.

Pete wrote:

Seems to me that all of the "training companies" have a nine month to fifteen month required employment period to repay for the training they gave. sounds likke a condition of employment to me.

That’s true, to a point.

But definitely not a bad thing for many reasons, the least of which it’s highly recommended to stay with your first company at least 1 year. It typically takes that long to absorb the difficult learning curve required to achieve safe and efficient operation. Training companies are the best in the business, much better equipped and experienced supporting entry level drivers through the first few months of 1st seat status.

Hey guys, I think you'll find the information in these two podcast to be really helpful...

Why Stick With Your First Company For One Year?

Are The Training Companies Nothing More Than Starter Companies?

Honestly, I don't see the 1 year commitment as a downside. They're giving me an opportunity at a new life. Paying for my CDL training, paying me while I attend training so I can still help provide for my family, paying for my room while I'm at location, and providing me with guaranteed employment as long as I do what I am supposed to, and drive safely. I couldn't be more grateful for such an incredible opportunity. Tomorrow is my last day at my desk job also woooo.