Drive the Guard Update

The Commercial Driver Training Foundation, Inc. (“CDTFI”) has entered into an agreement with the National Guard to promote the truck driving occupation to recruits, and to assist the National Guard in providing full time employment opportunities to new recruits. The program will launch nationally on May 1-2. CDTFI and the National Guard have signed a “Memorandum of Understanding” establishing a new joint recruiting program. It provides National Guard recruiters with a means of offering full time employment to recruits at the time of enlistment, without the need for them to relocate. The National Guard has also prepared a promotional flyer for the Program. As part of the national launch of the program a “special edition” of the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. car will run in the Richmond, VA NASCAR race on Saturday, May 2. A wrapped truck featuring the “Drive the Guard” wrap that will be available to participating training programs will act as the “pace car” for that race. In addition, the National Guard plans to run a full page ad in USA TODAY on Friday, May 1 to announce the launch of the Program.
Participating schools and motor carriers will be required to complete a Participation Agreement which commits them to adhering to the terms of the program. In addition, they will be required to pay a $500 annual sustaining fee to help the Foundation defray the administrative costs of the program.

For further information contact CDTFI by phone at 703-642-5933 or send an email to drivetheguard@cdtfi.org

Training opportunity

Congress has created an education pilot program called the Army Vocational/Technical (AVOTEC) Soldier Program. It is designed to provide expanded education opportunities for soldiers, officers and wounded warriors serving on active duty. Both National Guard and Reserve soldiers on extended active duty are included in the program.
The intent of this short-term pilot program is to provide training in high-demand career fields to help soldiers find employment after they transition out of the Army. Army Education is working with technical and community colleges throughout the United States to build upon existing programs and develop new pilot re-training programs in high demand career occupations, such as rehabilitation, nursing, medical technology, and other health care occupations. Truck driving would also be a candidate skill area.
Visit the Web site at https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/education/votec_program.html for more information.

Feeling stimulated yet? Part Three

According to the US Department of Transportation, President Barack Obama, joined by Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, has marked the release of $26.6 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to states and local transportation authorities to repair and build highways, roads and bridges. Last week’s release of the funds came eight days earlier than required by law and took place before more than 500 headquarter employees at the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“This investment in highways will create or save 150,000 jobs by the end of next year, most of them in the private sector,” President Obama said. “The jobs that we’re creating are good jobs that pay more than average; jobs grinding asphalt and paving roads, filling potholes, making street signs, repairing stop lights, replacing guard rails,” he added. Vice President Biden said, “With this recovery package, we’ll be creating jobs, saving jobs, and putting money in people’s pockets.”
Thinking heavy equipment operator training? Maybe you should. And if you do, think of us while you’re at it. We’re old hands at HEO training. Visit our Web site for more information. Then contact us if you have questions or just want to brainstorm.