Veteran Apprenticeship Program

Im starting with C R England, going to their school in Illinois. I am a military vet and just learned of a program offered called the Veteran Apprenticeship Program. Once completed I would have my Journeyman Certificate, approximately 12 months. Does anyone have any experience with this DOL sanctioned program? Is it worth committing to a 12 month program versus having a 9 month commitment?

And please, no negative C R England comments. I have looked at many company sponsored schools and everyone gets bad reviews. Im sticking with them for now and making the best of whatever comes my way. Ive worked for the US Postal Service in Phoenix, AZ so I use that as a gauge... nothing can be worse than that environment.

First there's this:

every [trucking company] gets bad reviews.

To the contrary, companies do not become big & nationwide by screwing their drivers. You have been reading posts from people who did not make it for some reason, mostly because they can't understand the system or failed in their own right. CRE is a good company. As long as you drive safe and play by "their" rules which are designed to keep you safe and the freight moved, you will do well.

Second:

Ive worked for the US Postal Service in Phoenix, AZ ... nothing can be worse than that environment.

Wait til Kearsey checks in! (She came from the same background.)

Your CRE recruiter is the one who can fill you in on their benefits for Vets. I took advantage of Swift's: drove for 12 months, no tuition deducted, and the bill for CDL school was paid in full.

Don't worry about 12 months, 9 months or anything else in that line. If you find CR England is doing good with you, you will stick around. If you decide to look for anything "better", other companies will appreciate that you are not a job hopper always switching companies for some reason.

every [trucking company] gets bad reviews.

You're correct Im sure Errol. I've already experienced the company bashing on other threads so I thought I'd try to proactively deter anyone from engaging in that. That's the only reason for that comment.

I just wanted to see if anyone had gone through this program, is it worth it for my resume or are they simply trying to get me on the hook for a longer commitment?

I just wanted to see if anyone had gone through this program, is it worth it for my resume or are they simply trying to get me on the hook for a longer commitment?

As a rule, we strongly advise sticking with your first company for at least 1 year.

I've been with Swift well over 6 years now. No intention of looking elsewhere. Many of the experienced drivers on this forum are of the same mindset and represent Prime, Swift, CRST, CFI, Roehl, etc., etc.

I was enrolled in the VAP when I drove at Roehl in 2016. It ended up being about an extra $1500 per month for me. Lots of online courses to complete by a deadline weekly or monthly. I think it is worth the additional time for the reward. Not many companies are certified to offer this program.

Packrat,

Can you provide me any more info about what the course entails? Thanks for your previous input.

Packrat,

Can you provide me any more info about what the course entails? Thanks for your previous input.

I will, just a bit later tonight. Still moving towards my delivery. Stopped to eat now.

No courses required anymore just a piece of paper that you have to sign monthly, showing how many miles and days you worked or something to that affect. You will receive BAH for wherever the head quarters is for the company, or whatever terminal they list with the VA. It is non taxed and non reportable income. It is drawn from your GI bill. You will receive 100% of the BAH the first six months and then 80% the second six months. It would further reduce by 20% if you did a two year apprenticeship. It is a legit program from the VA.

There you go! Thanks for all those details, Juice Box. I just got to my delivery, and the first thing I thought about was an update to this for Bangor Mike.

The only other thing I can recall is there is a time limit from the time you separated from the military until the time you start. This is a certain amount of time, not indefinite, so the sooner you start the better. All my recollections are from 2016, when I was there at Roehl. The company did have a person as the coordinator for this program, acting as a liaison between Roehl and the Veterans Affairs Department.

I hope between our answers, this fills on some questions of yours. I would recommend contacting a Roehl recruiter for definite specifics.

I'm currently in the VAP at my company. I get about $1,300 a month for my BAH Stipend. My company handles submitting the verification forms. The only complaint I have is the VA has not been consistent with depositing the Steipend I've only got one check deposited on the first of the month. Most have been random deposits. Right now I'm waiting for my December payment. I don't get upset I just realize it's just the VA efficiency in action. Good luck with your training.