What Trucking Companies Have a Military Apprenticeship Program?

Traditional apprenticeship programs offer advanced standings or credit hours for individuals interested in a trade. The Military Apprenticeship Program is very similar, allowing individuals to pursue training outside of their military careers. But what is the military apprenticeship program really? And do any trucking companies have a military apprenticeship program? We answer these questions, and more, so keep reading! 

What Trucking Companies Have a Military Apprenticeship Program: FAQ

There are many different things to understand about the military apprenticeship program. What do companies offer them? What are their benefits? And how is this different than the Post/9-11 GI Bill? We have broken down how the military apprenticeship program works and the many different ways someone can become a trucker through the military.

What is a Military Apprenticeship Progam?

The Military Apprenticeship Program, or USMAP, is a formal training program for any active-duty member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. It allows service members to complete an apprenticeship while on active duty and improve their job service. The options range from computer science to dental hygienists to trucking.

What are the Requirements for the Military Apprenticeship Program?

There are several requirements individuals must meet to complete the United State Military Apprenticeship Program. The criteria include the following:

• You must be active duty enlisted servicemember. This can include the Reserve, Guard, or Air National Guard.
• You must adhere to the USMAP national standards.
• You must have at least one year remaining on active duty before they can join.
• You must be assigned and able to work full-time in your requested trade.

As part of the Military Apprenticeship Program, individuals must document all on-the-job training (OTJ) hours worked. Work recording can be done using a work experience hourly record form.

How Does Trucking Work With a Military Apprenticeship Program?

To become a truck driver using the military Apprenticeship Program, you must complete 2000 hours of work. 

The breakdown of the work includes the following:

• 200 hours learning about safety, including mechanical safety and emergency equipment
• 300 hours on administration, including keeping logs and collecting delivery instructions
• 200 hours on cargo, which includes inspection
• 200 hours on maintenance, such as adding oil and understanding emergency roadside repairs
• 200 hours on trailers, including loading and unloading
• 200 hours on navigation
• 200 hours on loading and unloading goods
• 500 hours on actually operating the vehicle.

There are several trades for individuals who want to complete a USMAP, depending on which military section they’re a part of. 

What are the Pros and Cons of the Military Apprenticeship Program?

The USMAP has many different benefits, primarily that it allows individuals to begin a transition from an active service member back into a civilian job. 

However, a con of the Military Apprenticeship Program is that you must be on active duty with at least a year left, which is not always the ideal time for many members to join an apprenticeship program. It can also take a while to complete all those hours. For some positions, 2,000 hours is average, but for others – like truck driving – this can be extensive.

What Trucking Companies Have a Military Apprenticeship Program? 

Many trucking companies offer military apprenticeship programs. For example, members of the military can enter an apprenticeship with the following companies: 

• Schneider
• Swift Transportation
• TMC Transportation
• Werner Enterprises 
• Roehl Transport 
• U.S. Xpress
• J.B. Hunt
• And more 

What is the Post-9/11 GI Bill?

One of the alternatives to the Military Apprenticeship Program is the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is meant to help individuals who have served on active duty after September 10, 2001, pay for school or job training for individuals that qualify for it.

The bill pays for tuition and fees for many types of schooling, including CDL training. In addition, you may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits if you served on active duty for at least 90 days or anytime on September 10, 2001. The time served could be continuous (or all at once) or interrupted for shorter periods over time to qualify.

How can I use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for truck driving school?

The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers the entire cost of the Class A CDL and the Truck Driver Institute truck driving school. This includes the license tests, tuition costs, and other associated stipends that help individuals join the exciting and lucrative trucking industry. 

Truck Driver InstituteI will help you fill out the necessary paperwork to take advantage of the GI bill and work with you on finding other veteran-specific programs that may suit your needs.

What are the Benefits of Joining the Trucking Industry?

Now is one of the best times for someone to join the trucking industry. If you’re considering a post-military life, trucking is a great choice, thanks to the ease with which you can join the industry, the high demand for jobs, and the option to work for yourself.

Joining the Trucking Industry Fast

It’s easy to join the trucking industry with options like the military apprenticeship program and the GI Bill. With TDI, you can go from recently discharged to an employed trucker in under a month, making this one of the quickest job turnarounds available for veterans.

Jobs in Demand 

With an aging and retiring population and increased demand, becoming a truck driver means joining a seriously in-demand field. It also shows no sign of slowing down soon, as it’s expected that the need for truckers will continue to increase as trucks remain the most stable way to transport goods in North America.

Be Your Own Boss

While many truck drivers may work for one company, there’s also the option to be an owner-operator. This path allows truckers to be their own bosses, making it appealing to many.

Understanding Military Apprenticeship Programs with TDI

If you are considering joining the exciting truck driving industry, look no further. TDI can help you understand how to put your benefits to use, and we will help our students every step of the way – from helping fill out our forms to finding post-graduation jobs. For more information on TDI, contact us today!