Question:
Why does Werner pay $500 to a trainee who completes the eight weeks of training non-stop but doesn't to one who takes a break in the middle? I just don't understand their rationale for doing this.

Answer:
Hi Beatnik,
I think from what I've read at thier site its because they pay for your ride to and from the training center when you take the break. So it would only be fair to give one that goes the full length of the training what they would have spent on the ride home.
Quoted from the site
On option#1 Werner would then pay bus fare home for 7 days of paid time off
After 7 days of paid time off, Werner would then pay bus fare back to the closest terminal.
That is why they give the people who don't go home the $500.00 and the end of the training
[This message was edited by Loflyby33 on December 01, 2003 at 17:07.]

Answer:
The bus ride (for those who need it) and the extra cost of waiting in a motel for another trainer when you return, and administrative hassle of dealing with you when you leave for this "PTO" (paid time off) and coming back to finish..... Remember -- they still pay you the weekly stipend if you take that week off.
Werner wants to get you in your own truck and OUT of the training pipeline as soon as possible. The problems is - doing it without stopping for PTO means 11 to 14 weeks from the day you report to orientation, till you finally get back home. That's an unreasonable expectation for many students, so Werner doesn't make it a deal breaker. You've got a choice, and an incentive to do what they'd prefer -- stick with the program continously until you finish, and send you home the first time, trained, qualified and with your own truck.
[This message was edited by Shuffler on December 05, 2003 at 12:33.]

Answer:
The problems is - doing it without stopping for PTO means 11 to 14 weeks from the day you report to orientation, till you finally get back home. That's an unreasonable expectation for many students, so Werner doesn't make it a deal breaker.
But not an unreasonable expectation of it's drivers?
You had better take it while it's available.
I love FANTASY FORUM

Answer:
I did my training staraightthrough and was gone from early December to mid February, It was tough being gone over the holidays, but I was glad to get the training over with.
It's doable.
I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane.
Waylon Jennings

Answer:
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Answer:
...and the best way to go if you can. Get it over with.
But if you really need to go home, or are having problems sleeping and are very stressed and feel like you're losing it (bad trainer)....take the paid week off. It doesn't affect Werner's opinion about you one bit. They couldnt care less as they're juggling hundreds of students at once. It won't count against you in any way if you take that week off, and in some situations, it might be the very thing you need to complete the program. So take it if you have to and be assured it won't affect your "record" or what kind of truck you get or anything else..... They'd rather have your first truck assignment delayed a little because you took a week off, than dropping-out completely because the training is just too long and stressful.

Answer:
Hey Flyboy,
are you still driving for Werner? Just curious if you are how do you like working for them and what service are you running for them OTR, Regional dedicated? I'm thinking about going with Werner and I'm just curious on how thier drivers like working for them. I'm going to try to get on thier regional fleet. Or how do that work? do you have to do some otr first or can you go regional straight from school? your input is greatly appreciated.
Dan