Sometimes you need to try a few different careers before finding the one that suites you best. That was the case for Marine veteran Carlin Manendez who recently found a rewarding career as a truck driver.
After five years of active duty and three years of guard service, Calvin decided he wanted a new challenge and entered the civilian workforce. However, he found himself unfulfilled. “I tried several other jobs, but none of them seemed to fit. I like to keep moving and be busy,” he says.
Carlin liked keeping busy and thought truck driving might be the career for him. “When I did research online, I found MTC. They had good reviews, so I called them. I found out it was a VA-approved program. I was able to utilize my GI Bill® to cover the cost of CDL training. The school helped me out so much. They pretty much got it all setup for me.”
Carlin came to CDL training school with no background in trucking and says he was a little apprehensive about it. However, once he got into the CDL training program at MTC in Hazelwood, MO Carlin really enjoyed it and excelled.
“I love my new career. It is a good fit for me. Originally, I thought it might be a short-term career, but I enjoy the job and I am good at it.” Since graduating CDL training school at MTC in Hazelwood, MO, Calvin went to work for Stevens Transport. He recently transitioned to a contract driver. As a contractor, he leases a truck from Stevens and has more control over the income he earns.
“It is a great opportunity for someone like me who likes to be challenged. I took a three-day business class with Stevens that taught me how to operate my truck as a business. My lease is for the next two years. I see a lot of opportunity ahead of me. It has really changed my life at home from a monetary perspective.”
A bonus Calvin discovered in his new career was the camaraderie among truck drivers. “Like the Marines, I have the opportunity to meet good people from all over. There is a common bond among truck drivers that I enjoy. It is an added perk to the job and something I haven’t felt since the Marine Corps.”
VA Approved CDL Truck Driver Training Program
DRC offers several network schools for Military veterans who want to obtain a commercial driver’s license using their Post 9/11 GI Bill®. For veterans, the Post 9/11 GI Bill® provides expanded benefits for CDL training tuition and even an apprenticeship program. You may be eligible to use your GI Bill® to help pay your tuition and provide additional assistance while you are training.
Why Driver Resource Center?
Military veterans interested in a career as a truck driver can get help through DRC. It is our goal make the transition to a new career as easy as possible. We accomplish this by helping you secure a job offer before enrollment.
Learn more CDL training opportunities for military veterans.
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*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Trademark_Terms_of_Use.asp