Transitioning into the labor market as a Veteran Driving Trucks
Starting with the Facts
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor issued a press release back in March of 2021 https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/vet.pdf. Data about veterans is collected monthly in the Current Population Survey (CPS). In addition, information about veterans on topics such as service-connected disability and veterans’ current or past Reserve or National Guard membership was collected and her is quick summary of the findings. Unemployment rates for both male and female veterans increased in 2020, reflecting the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate for male veterans was 6.5 percent, little different from the rate of 6.7 percent for female veterans. Unemployment rates for White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic veterans were lower than for their nonveteran counterparts in 2020.
In March 2022, the veteran unemployment rate was 2.4%, down from 3.1% the previous month and down from 4.8% the prior year. Also, in March 2022. the comparable non-veteran unemployment rate was 3.7%, down from 3.8% the previous month and down from 6.0% the prior year.
Why is veteran unemployment high? According to an older report put out by https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR284.html – it listed Five Hypotheses for High Veteran Unemployment. High veteran unemployment could be caused by:
1. Poor Health, 2. Selection, 3. Employer Discrimination, 4. Skills Mismatch, or 5. Job Search.
Trucking Options and More with Phoenix Truck Driving Institute (PTDI)
In the past, jobs among employed veterans aged 18 or older, tended to be professional and related; management, business, and financial operations; and service occupations. According to the VA, a veteran’s work ethic is strong because they have a mission first mentality. Needless to say, veterans are loyal and committed to excellence.
The 9 Best Job Programs for Veterans Separating in 2021 https://usveteransmagazine.com/2021/01/9-best-job-programs-veterans-separating-2021/ were for example:
- Federal Agencies
- BAE Systems’ Warrior Integration Program (WIP)
- Workforce Opportunity Services (WOS)
- Microsoft
- Army Career Skills Program (CSP)
- Workshops for Warriors
- Carrus
- The Solar Ready Vets Network
- Starting Your Own Business
But then, there are other roads one can travel in the employment search. Amps Magazine met with up with Abe McCain, Military Liaison for the Phoenix Truck Driving Institute for a tour and very detailed breakdown of the support they provide veterans entering the workforce.
About The School
Phoenix Truck Driving School is a corporation of commercial driver’s license (CDL) training facilities. Each of their campuses provide top-notch education and our experienced instructors are committed to helping their students succeed. Their schools have trained thousands of truck drivers. Their graduates have gone on to work for many of the nation’s top over-the-road trucking companies, as well as securing regional and local truck driving jobs. One great benefit? Veterans can train for free using their GI Bill benefits.
All of their schools are licensed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and are affiliated with a variety of other associations related to the trucking industry.
CDL
Phoenix Truck Driving School offers commercial driver’s license (CDL) classes at locations in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. We strive to give every student the knowledge and skills they will need to start their truck driving career. Our programs are licensed, and we are affiliated with numerous trucking associations across the United States – CDL Classes | CDL Schools | Truck Driving Schools (phoenixtruckdrivingschool.com)
CDL School Affiliates
AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS (ATA) – https://www.trucking.org/
NEW MEXICO TRUCKING ASSOCIATION (NMTA) – https://www.nmtrucking.org/
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SAFETY ALLIANCE (CVSA) – https://www.cvsa.org/
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TRAINING ASSOCIATION (CVTA) – https://cvta.org/
SkillBridge
The Department of Defense SkillBridge program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during their last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects service members with DHS Components in real-world job experiences. Service members continue to receive their military pay and benefits while participating, so the training provider does not pay anything. https://skillbridge.osd.mil/
Careers
At Phoenix Truck Driving School, you can earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and their institutions offer job placement assistance to help one start a career in the trucking industry. Drivers can earn more than $66,000 a year* and there is a wide range of different truck driving jobs that you can consider after graduation Truck Driving Jobs | CDL School | CDL Training (phoenixtruckdrivingschool.com).
School Locations
ALBUQUERQUE, NM
FLAGSTAFF, AZ
PHOENIX, AZ
KINGMAN, AZ
FORT BLISS, TX
All Inclusive – The Ladies Drive Too!
Phoenix Truck Driving School offers training to everyone. They are all inclusive and are seeing an influx of female drivers. According to Southern Careers Institute, “The rise of the e-commerce industry has substantially increased the demand for truck drivers”. Really think about it, trucking companies offer high benefits like paid leave, retirement plans, pay increases, and large signing bonuses. This is a great option for women. Trucking also offers the flexibility of long or short hauls. Statistically, female truck drivers are 20% less likely to be involved in a crash than male truck drivers. Female truck drivers tend to take better care of the truck and cabin, are easier to train, and better with customer service. https://www.drivebigtrucks.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions-for-female-truck-drivers/
Photo By C. O’Jon – Ladies in Training
Training Options for Non-Veterans
Simon Security Program – https://www.gccaz.edu/ Start Your Journey Towards a Career In Cybersecurity At Glendale Community College! Looking To Land A Job In Cybersecurity? Get The Training You Need At Glendale CC! 100+ Programs. Online Courses Available. 18.3 Average Class Size. $85 Per Credit.
Swift Academy – https://applyforswift.com/ Quickly Earn Your CDL in as Little as 4 Weeks at Swift Driving Academy in Phoenix Arizona. Join the Swift Academy in Phoenix, Arizona & Get Pre-Hired Before You Start Training. New Dog Policy. Classes Start Weekly. Weekly Pay. Automatic Transmissions. Paid Vacation.
New Freedom – New Freedom’s focus is on recovery and supporting those reentering the community from prison who are willing to seek a new way of living. This 90-day program requires members to actively participate in all aspects of the program. New Freedom – New Freedom Behavioral Health (newfreedomaz.com).
WIOA Program – Workforce services for eligible adults are available through one of the six core programs authorized by Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The Adult program serves individuals and helps employers meet their workforce needs. It enables workers to obtain good jobs by providing them with job search assistance and training opportunities. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/workforce-investment/adult
