New Driver: Advice Regarding Mentorship
Topic 20307 | Page 1
I'm very curious as to which company you went with. I cannot imagine waiting weeks for a trainer, personally, but I have heard of that happening.
What to expect during training will depend on which company you went with. Some run team from day one while others don't.
Hello, thank you, for your reply.I was hesitant to provide my company's name as I have read some negative reviews. PAM is the company that sponsored my training and in spite of the negativity, I still plan on making it as positive of an experience as possible. I am grateful for forums like this where people can share experiences honestly and openly. Keeping an open mind and hoping for a good outcome here. Who knows, I may be the one to have a positive review for PAM.
Good for you! I love optimistic people. That will take you far. Best of luck & many safe miles.
Pete
Thank you, Pete. As it turns out, I received a call yesterday from PAM and am taking a bus to Ohio tomorrow to meet my mentor. I live in Virginia, so it will be a 12 hour trip. Not so enthusiastic about the bus, however am looking forward to moving ahead with my new adventure.
Glad you overlooked the negative. There is negative about every company. I hope you picked PAM because you felt what they offered fit you. Best of luck. Remember, your mentor is there to teach you to drive and how your company works. The learning never stops. Best of luck to you. Keep us posted how it goes.
I am sure that you are busy, busy right now but would love to hear how your training is going. Keep your positive attitude-it will get you through any tough times.
Still out with my mentor and my positive attitude has diminished.😥 I'm frustrated with myself, keep making same mistakes especially with down shifting and missed two exits today. I've been out here for 11 days and to make matters worse we are parked for the night behind loading docks in the middle of nowhere. No restrooms. He can go wherever..it's different for us ladies, I can't even use a cup in the truck, he's in here in his bed..I wish I had a female mentor. This guy knows his stuff, but is intimidating and very frustrated with me..no more than I am with myself. I'm ready to give up.
I went through training a couple of years ago now with a female trainer. After I completed my training (which really sucked but I got through!) I sought out advice from other trainers. One said he was getting ready to go out with a female trainee. I mentioned the bathroom needs, and how to address them. He had not thought of the situation at all. My trainer had a bucket that we shared (at first I was reluctant to share but after peeing behind the trailer in a truck stop a few times, I got over that). Maybe you could talk to your trainer about having a bucket, and using the curtain between the cab and sleeper for minimal privacy. The male trainer I talked to said he would recommend not consuming liquids for the last three hours of the day, and escort her to the truck stop facilities when she needed.
Your trainer has likely had some sensitivity training regarding working with women, if he offers his "services", thank him for the offer but turn him down courteously.
Still out with my mentor and my positive attitude has diminished.😥 I'm frustrated with myself, keep making same mistakes especially with down shifting and missed two exits today.
Keep your goals in mind and remember that he was once a newbie too. Try and relax and learn from your mistakes. Maybe talk through them with him. I would definitely bring up the bathroom issue. Hopefully it just has not occurred to him. A little thing but a part of life and he needs to be aware. I would not even be able to dress and make it into a truck stop in the morning but then again, I am old! 😜 Hang in there and thank you for sharing. Every day you are gaining experience and skills and getting a little bit better.❤
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Hello to all! Less than two weeks ago, I completed a company sponsored training program and passed the state exam. Currently at home waiting for the company to assign a mentor to me. I requested a female, however am willing to mentor with anyone at this point as I want to get started as soon as possible. I am already packed and have most of my affairs at home in order. Is there any advice, or tips for a newbie in waiting? How long does it take for mentor assignment and what can I expect once we hit the road?
Company Sponsored Training:
A Company-Sponsored Training Program is a school that is owned and operated by a trucking company.
The schooling often requires little or no money up front. Instead of paying up-front tuition you will sign an agreement to work for the company for a specified amount of time after graduation, usually around a year, at a slightly lower rate of pay in order to pay for the training.
If you choose to quit working for the company before your year is up, they will normally require you to pay back a prorated amount of money for the schooling. The amount you pay back will be comparable to what you would have paid if you went to an independently owned school.
Company-sponsored training can be an excellent way to get your career underway if you can't afford the tuition up front for private schooling.