Swift/ Central/TDA Week 3

So I made it to week three and was in the first group to go to orientation. New terminal in Jurupa Valley was quite impressive. Lot's of paper/ computer work and videos. Some great presentations from employees and a chance to see the facility. I made it through and got my driver number so I am officially an employee. The odd part is they hire you before you get your Class A. Three days later back to TDA for practice and test scheduling. This is where it get's interesting. Due to the large amount of recruits they had gone to a split schedule. Newest class stayed 6 to 3:30 and current class moved to 3:30 to midnight.

We all called it a puppy mill. New classes were typically 40-60 students with about a 40-50% retention rate through two weeks. 15-20% were lost first week. Quit, Physicals or other issues. There were also as always good students and let's say not so focused students. The hotel was typically brought up as not a place to party. Of course many did. 4-5 got sent home for it. The hotel itself was clean and well run.

So off to Thursday practice and had a great night until midnight. We were all asking for schedule of testing and instructor said none of our class would test until Saturday. This meant wait until Monday when DMV opens to finish paperwork. They were testing in house which made the process easier. Murphy's law was invoked and I got a call at 7 a.m. Friday and was told previous nights instructor was wrong and was I able to test that day. Answer was of course and off I went. Luckily I had my own car to get there. Passed easily and then off to DMV with two other students. 20-25 thank yous and about 20 minutes at DMV and we were all official Class A drivers.

Off to to Swift terminal to set up Mentor for the 4 weeks and not enough mentors. I am at home waiting for a call. Luckily I am only 125 miles from the yard. Plus my wife is quite happy to see me. Cats also.

Overview of program is medium. The school was not very organized but the equipment and instructors were great. My group was very supportive of each other and that was probably the best part. Would I recommend them? Yes just concentrate on yourself and ignore the distractions. Last part is go in Fall, Winter or Spring. Hot as you no what in Fontana.

I'll update when I get a Mentor.

Congratulations!