Swift Providing Free Tuition To Vets

I forgot to mention that when I spoke to the Swift rep yesterday, she said that since I was an honorable discharged vet, they would give me a scholarship for CDL school. I asked her again and she repeated it. I asked if it went against my GI Bill because mine is mostly used up from getting my degree and she said no, it was just something they were doing for vets. Veterans get free school in return for a one year commitment to drive for them -- sounds pretty good to me. You just have to provide a copy of your DD-214 showing your service and honorable discharge.

Just thought I'd pass this on since it could be a factor in your decision. It looks like the program cuts off after 1,000 vets sign up for it.

This is from the website:

"Swift Transportation Co. Inc. is celebrating the men and women of the armed forces by offering them a new career in trucking. Swift is committed to providing career opportunities for the heroes of our country, by providing 1,000 full scholarships to Veterans to attend a Swift Academy of their choice. The transportation leader is offering full scholarships to veterans with a 1-year commitment, as well as a $1,000 tuition discount to Selective Reserves and National Guard with a 1-year commitment.

Former military personnel are a great fit for Swift because their values and work ethics align with what the company looks for in quality candidates.

Through the Swift Veterans Scholarship program, the company hopes to gain long-term, dedicated, and loyal Swift family members that can grow and develop as they help Swift on its continuous journey toward Best-in-Class. While Swift has offered partial scholarships to veterans for several years, this is the first time they are offering full scholarships.

Upon training, Swift will place trainees either in over-the-road dedicated or regional driving positions. Once an individual gets into the organization and performs effectively, there are opportunities for development into a team driver, dedicated fleet work, and the potential to become a mentor for future new drivers. At Swift, career paths can even lead to office and leadership positions.

Participants and those eligible must have been separated from service with an honorable discharge or be an active member of the Guard or Reserve to qualify for the Swift Veterans Scholarship Program. Additionally, if a National Guard or Reserve was called to active duty, they will qualify for the full Scholarship (DD-214 required for verification) Swift driving academies are located in Phoenix, AZ; Millington, TN; Corsicana, TX; and Lewiston, ID. "

FWIW

David - man this is freakin awesome for Vets like us.

Not a bad deal,wish for companies would offer benefits,for our vetetans. Thanks for your service..I salute you!

Here's a bit of fine print and some clarification I had asked for.

It is a Swift thing, so nothing goes on your GI account. There is no payroll deduction to pay off anything. I left the USAF in 1975 (yeah, that was last century). I had a photocopy of my DD-214, that's all they needed.

You must be a Swift driver for the 12 full months - you can't change jobs to anything else in the company early. There is no pro-rata (work 6 months, play half the tuition) in the amount.

David -

In addition to what you mentioned about Swift and Vets, I heard and finally researched the following:

Vets who have GI Bill (both Mongomery and Post 9/11) can also use their benefits in a Truck Driver Apprenticeship program. In which you get your education benefits just like going to school, for upto two years (or whatever remaining benefits you have remaining). One company that is certified for this is Werner. The benefits, particularly with the Post 9/11 is based on the zip code of the certifying company.

I've included the VA's website link, make sure you select by Country and USA, that way you don't have to worry about determine where the company is based: VA OJT/Apprenticeship Program Search Institution Name: [Name of Company) Program Type: On-the-Job-Training/Apprenticeship

Make sure you do by country and select "On-the-Job-Training/Apprenticeship" and type name of company.