Question:
I live in California so this information may be different for people in other states. I am currently unemployed (laid off again from the IT field). Through the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA), all states have "One Stop Centers" that provide employment assistance. Even if you are still employed, you can use some of their services. You have to go through a simple process to sign up to use their center's computers, fax machines and phones. Then you attend a one hour orientation which details the three levels of services (Core, Intensive, and Training). You have to have or write a resume, document your job search by copying ads, fax receipts, sent emails, phone calls, etc. You then make an appointment to meet the "Core Services Facilitator" who will ask for your resume and job search documentation. They will ask you how they can help and suggest some things as well. The next step is to have a "team meeting" where they again review your job search efforts. At this point you can be authorized for training in an area that YOU want as long as there is demand in that field. The school that they suggested to me is California Career School. Their website is http://www.californiacareerschool.edu/ They have a six week and a 15 week program. They have an extensive program and Schneider hires their graduates. The trainiing is called ETP Pai d Training by the state. You can also continue to collect unemployment insurance while you in training.
I highly suggest using the One Stop Centers in your state. The people are friendly and helpful. If you follow their instructions, you can find a new job or a better job or maybe get paid for training.
From everything I've read Schneider's own training is excellent and I may have to go through it in addition to any other training I take. I want as much training as I can get before I hit the road.
I will post any additional details ASAP.
Good luck to all newbies and wannabes.

Answer:
I am going through WIA in NC..The program here is not quite as involved as the one in CA it would seem. I start a Sage truck driving program next week and will start a thread on it after my first week. The school I will be attending is Blue Ridge College, Sage sponsored. Good Luck.

Answer:
"You can also continue to collect unemployment insurance while you in training".
=============================
Now that's a good deal.
After your first year, there is money to be made in trucking if you learn the in's and out's of trucking.
There are going to be "those" drivers who will tell you different, but, keep in mind, they are most likely the ones sitting in the back row of a truck stop whining and crying all night long, while other drivers are out on the road rolling and making money.

Answer:
I just got approval for a 4300.00, six week CDL course paid by the WIA displaced workers program. I had to attend a job search seminar, resume class, produce more job search documentation, then I was given a list of over twenty schools that they dealt with.
I visited three and decided on California Career School in Anaheim (five miles from my house). They have late model Kenworth T2000 tractors and although they are not a PTDI certified school, their program meets the PTDI curriculum guidelines. I'll be starting on October 18th.
I went to the International Truck Show in Anaheim and really liked Gordon Trucking. Roehl also hires in this area so I will apply to them as well.
This is going to be very interesting....