Ensuring Successful Careers for Veterans with our Apprenticeship Program

We are committed to hiring and training veterans to be the next generation of professional drivers, diesel technicians and transportation managers at Werner. In fact, approximately 20% of our workforce is veterans.

To help veterans transition to a new role at Werner, we offer the opportunity to enroll in our apprenticeship program. We designed the program to help military members find their right fit and provide the support they need for a successful career. Whether over the road, in the shop, or the office, we help veterans with the skills and resources they need to build a life after service.

Let’s take a closer look at the Apprenticeship Programs available for veterans, all approved by the Department of Labor and Veterans Affairs.

Truck Driver Apprenticeship

In 2006, we introduced the industry’s first Truck Driver Apprenticeship Program. Through this program, we provide veterans with the skills and training necessary for the road.

Offered as a 4,000-hour program for up to 24 months, it is open to professional drivers with 12 months or less experience. Those who partake in the apprenticeship will have the knowledge and deep understanding of:

• Pre, post and Department of Transportation inspections
• Decision-making and driving skills during inclement weather
• Customer relations
• In-cab tablet device usage
• Safety procedures
• Document preparations

The program also consists of a minimum of 144 hours of related technical instruction per year completed via computer-based instruction, in-cab instruction and lab work (formal/informal instruction outside the cab).

Hours for this apprenticeship are counted by on-duty driving and on-duty non-driving and must accumulate 120 hours each month. Previous experience will be credited and reduce the amount of time you are in the program. Owner-operators and certified Leaders/Mentors are not eligible for the program.

Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship

Another industry first, Werner introduced its Mechanic Apprenticeship Program in 2016. Those who complete this program gain experience and instruction to become diesel mechanics. It is open to any Diesel Mechanic with 18 months or less experience.

Consisting of a 5,500-hour program and up to 36 months in length, the Mechanic Apprenticeship helps build the following critical skills and knowledge for a successful career:

• Preventative maintenance and inspections
• Brakes, ABS and traction control
• Diesel engine fundamentals and fuel systems
• Drivetrains, steering and suspension
• Tire and wheel assemblies
• Welding
• CDL training
• Parts operations

The program also consists of a minimum of 156 hours of related technical instruction per year that is completed via computer-based instruction and lab work (formal/informal instruction).

Hours for this program are counted for all on-duty time. Previous experience will be credited and reduce the amount of time you are in the program. Supervisors are not eligible for the program.

Transportation Manager Apprenticeship

Werner recently introduced its Transportation Management Apprenticeship, which is a 2,000-hour program and 12 months in length.

Open to any Transportation Manager or equivalent with three months or less of experience, this program aims to help build the leadership capabilities and complimentary training to step into the role. The skills that participants can expect to gain include:

• Classroom training
• Life on the road series training
• Driver focus training
• Customer service
• Role management
• Decision-making

The program also consists of a minimum of 156 hours of related technical instruction for the year that is completed via computer-based instruction and lab work (formal/informal instruction).

Hours for this program are counted for all on-duty time. Previous experience will be credited and reduce the amount of time you are in the program. Supervisors are not eligible for the program.

Ready for an Apprenticeship Program?

If you’re looking to pursue a career as a truck driver, diesel technician, or transportation manager, then our Apprenticeship Programs may be a fit! They represent one of the many ways we support and create a great working environment for veterans.

For those interested, please see below for additional information about completion and VA benefits:

• All who enroll and complete the program will receive a completion certificate from the Department of Labor.
• Military Community members can use their eligible VA educational benefits while enrolled.
• Spouses and dependents who have eligible VA benefits can also use those while enrolled.

Call us at 877-351-7724 or email us at [email protected] if you’re interested in learning more about the program.