Question:
I am new to this and have been told by a local trucking company that to be trained for on the road experience with an owner operator is a good way to go
I Know That I would have to start with a CDL learners permit
Is this type of arrangement anything some one can help me with ?
I guess the idea is I help in trade or being helped, both sides win

Answer:
I think it would depend on the motivation the trainer has. Money is always going to be a factor because I don't know of many that would train for free. But, is it the driving factor. If their doing it simply to run you like a team and raise their personal revenue then it would be a very bad idea.
If their training you for a job in their company and they want to see you become a safer more capable driver then it doesn't matter who trains you. Of course money would still be a motivation. Instead of it being more revenue to the persons own truck , training correctly would mean more money to the company in the future.
There's little dooubt in my mind that any trainer once confident in your ability is going to run their truck no matter if it's company or O/O like a team eventually. To me the smartest thing to do is get some assurances for your own good. Find out if the trainer is going to be awake and up front with you until you have the confidence to drive by yourself. Once a person knows how to point a truck down the road and can safely move in traffic there may not be a need for a trainer to be next to you the whole time. But he does need to be there until you have that confidence and he is able to clearly see it. I would also make sure any trainer is willing to get up if you run into problems, because you will. Make sure they plan on training you correctly and are going to be ready to answer questions and be there when you need them.
I would remember everything is motivated by revenue and no one is going to train you with out that in mind. Just make sure they are actually willing to sacrifice a little of it until the point you can safely help them reach their goals.

Answer:

Thanks for your reply
Another question is how to net work for O/O's that may be interested in an arrangement, so I can ask what kind of Revenue compensation may work.
I know that trainers have a compensation scale from the company's offering this service.
I am thinking that mentioning from an O/O and then helping out would be a better way to learn the ropes
I am looking at 8 week State school that offers the highest level of pre-road training, they are certified by PTDI ( Professional Truck Drivers Institute ) and appears to be a very good program, if that helps

Answer:
Ask that local trucking company if their insurance company would allow them to hire you after the o/o OJT. I think the better way to go is to a recognized school. BOL

Answer:

So if I were to get on the road secondary Training & experience ( Not the initial course work ) with an O/O that would not be as good as any secondary training from a corporate hire program ?

Answer:

Answering your questions would be a bit easier if you'd explain what your plan is.
Most major trucking companies will probably not - key phrase - recognize the time you spend with an O/O as driving experience.
If, on the other hand, it's your intention to hire on with a local company, why don't you check to see if they need any more experience than just the driving school?