When you first hear Tim’s story about why, and how he earned his CDL license, you will be surprised- he was not the “typical” truck driver you see depicted in the movies and certainly didn’t enter the program as a “traditional”
student.
Tim Jones joined the program as a 59- year old retired business owner from Southern California. He graduated from Triad Goodwill and TransTech Inc’s. 4- week long, commercial driver’s license (CDL) training program in the summer of 2020 despite a global pandemic, lots of studying, and a 2-hour commute 5-days a week.
The program allowed him to pursue his lifelong passion for driving and provided a stable job post-retirement for he and his family. He was able to create life-long bonds with a group of students he may not have otherwise met and has become a passionate advocate for programs like this, which as he explained provide an opportunity for everyone no matter their background, a chance to make a good living and provide for their families and futures.
We took some time to chat with Tim before he took off for a family trip and training in his new career.
Why and How Did You Select Triad Goodwill’s Program?
After moving to North Carolina from California post-retirement, Tim decided to look at trucking schools in the area. There was one in the Charlotte area (closer to his home), and then Triad Goodwill’s- which was further from his home. After visiting both programs, he opted to enroll in Triad Goodwill’s program.
“I knocked on the Career Center door and saw everyone in masks. With COVID that was important to me, I wear a mask and did not want to take any risks. I met Russell (former instructor), and he gave me a tour. The facility was clean and welcoming, and I saw that the class only had 4 students – that’s almost one-on-one instruction” he explains. “I drove 1-hour each way every day. I’d start driving at 6:30 in the morning and would be there till 5 or 6 – that’s how badly I wanted to participate in the program.”
Why Did You Want to Pursue this Certification?
“When my son was younger, to get him where he is now in his career as a professional auto racer, my family had to travel all over the country, and I just liked it, it’s a lot of fun. I just love driving.”
What Was the Most Difficult Part of the Class?
“There’s a lot to this. If you don’t study for the stuff, you’re not going to pass. But, once you start studying the instructors will guide you, and you’ll pass.
Tim explained that, “when you first look at the program online it seems daunting because there are so many tests you have to take. But the program is very systematic – it is based on repetitiveness, and then you can get through it. And once you get through it, once you have this license, you will never not have a job. It is forever.”
What Was Your Favorite Thing About the Class?
“What I enjoyed most from the class were the connections I made with the other students. On the first day of class, we were 4 individuals with nothing in common, not really interacting. By the first week, we were going out to lunch, and we made a bond honestly, for forever. We all helped each other out tremendously and we had a great time together.”
Tim also explained that the class is an excellent opportunity for people to get their lives back on track. “Some of the guys in my class were younger with no resources available, but they were able to clean up their lives and got a second chance. It’s really neat to see programs like this that are essential to bring middle / lower middle-income people up, so they are able to provide for their families. All the guys in my class passed – 1 is driving right now making $800 a week.”
What’s Something People May Not Know about Having Your CDL or this Program?
“A lot of people don’t understand or realize that with programs like this, there can be little to no money out of pocket for the students. Many of these trucking companies will pay you back for your schooling…
Where can you go, get a job that you’re going to make $40K a year, and then get paid back for all your schooling?
If you apply yourself and stick to it, within a few years you can make $52K a year, plus benefits.”
Tim also shared how the industry is evolving. “To help with retention and be more friendly towards families there are more local opportunities available where you can be home every night. There are also regional positions where you’re no more than 800 miles from the hub and drive Monday – Friday, and then over-the road positions where you’re out for 2-weeks and then home for 3-days. There’s more options now to help keep drivers.”
What’s Next Now That You’ve Graduated?
“I’ll be attending an 8-10 week new-hire orientation and training with a local company. I’ve earned a contract position in NC and after completing the training I’ll be driving regionally for them 5-days out. I looked at 3 different trucking companies to see where I would fit in, so I’m hoping to be with this company for at least 5 years.”
What Did You Know About Goodwill Before Taking this Class, and What Do You Know Now?
“Growing up, my dad was an LA City fireman on Skid Row for 38 years. Goodwill would show up in the middle of a forest fire and bring coffee and donuts to the firefighters,” and that story stuck with him. He shared a little more about his father’s advice as it related to Goodwill, “my dad always said, ‘You have to take care of people who can’t take care of themselves. Don’t listen to people who say it’s a handout. Some people require a handout for the rest of their life, but some people just need a chance to get going again.”
To this day, Tim still donates his items to Goodwill – “Now, I know that Goodwill provides training and things for people who don’t have any other resources- which is a cool thing.
Interested in getting your CDL? Learn more about the program and how to sign up here: https://www.triadgoodwill.org/cdl-training/