Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/858523
52 commercial carrier journal | august 2017 Freedom," a military veteran outreach platform that now includes its VA driver apprenticeship program. One of the focuses of Operation Freedom is veteran recognition. In 2013, the company rolled out the fi rst of eight trucks in its Operation Freedom fl eet that features military tribute graphics wrapped on the tractor and trailer thank- ing U.S. Armed Forces personnel for their service. e trucks and their drivers, who either are military veterans or their family members, appear at truck shows, recruiting events and veterans' ceremo- nies across the country, in addition to running regular freight routes. Tackling the tech shortage ere currently are thousands of truck technician positions open across the trucking industry. According to a 2015 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 67,000 new truck technicians will be needed by 2022 to off set attrition and projected industry growth. e BLS report also says another 75,000 diesel engine specialists also will be needed. Recognizing the critical level of the diesel technician shortage and with its driver apprenticeship program a proven recruiting tool, Werner began work on duplicating its apprenticeship eff orts in the technician arena. In 2015, Werner went back to work with the VA to establish another indus- try fi rst. In November of that year, the company received approval from the VA to launch its diesel mechanic ap- prenticeship program. "Werner is the fi rst trucking company to have a nationally registered appren- ticeship program for diesel mechanics, and we're thrilled to lead the way," said Derek Leathers, Werner's president and chief executive offi cer, at the time of the announcement. "We hope this appren- ticeship program will serve as another great opportunity for these skilled indi- viduals to build a career in the transpor- tation industry." While Werner off ers a two-year driver apprenticeship program, the company's mechanic apprenticeship program lasts 36 months for eligible veterans who have the Post 9/11 GI Bill. While training and working as a diesel mechanic with Werner, veterans can receive as much as $26,488 in tax- free education benefi ts in addition to their Werner pay. Werner's overall eff orts to recruit mili- tary veterans has paid huge dividends for the company since 2006. "Werner has hired more than 25,000 military veterans and veteran spouses since its apprentice- ship program began," said Fred ayer, director of corporate communications. " ey comprise approximately 20 per- cent of our workforce." For its eff orts, Werner has received numerous awards and recognitions, including multiple "Top 100 Military Friendly Employer" and "Top 50 Military Spouse Employer" awards by GI Jobs magazine, as well as the Extraordinary Employer Support Award from the Em- ployer Support of the Guard and Reserve for its support of Reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces. Earlier this year, Werner also was hon- ored by the Military Offi cers Association of America with the 2017 Distinguished Service Award for its outstanding support of military veterans and their spouses. Since 2013, Werner has hired more than 500 veteran spouses. "Werner strategically recruits and employs talented men and women who have served in the Armed Forces," said Leathers. " ese mission-minded individuals add a depth of quality to our workforce that is invaluable in terms of renewable skills and dedication." CC J I N N O VATO R S pro les carriers and eets that have found innovative ways to overcome trucking's challenges. If you know a carrier that has displayed innovation, contact Je Crissey at jcrissey@ccjmagazine.com or 800-633-5953. OUR OBJECTIVE Enjoy being part of a military-ready company whose top priority is you. By providing ongoing training and equipping you with every technological advantage, Werner Enterprises allows you to focus on doing your job safely and efficiently, ensuring you and your family are taken care of from day one. VETERAN HIRING Veteran hires have increased significantly throughout the past few years, comprising about 20 percent of Werner's workforce. Passion, dedication and adaptability are significant traits of America's servicemen and women. At Werner Enterprises, your strengths match our values. Werner offers choices, options, flexibility and a career path. Opportunities are based on where you call home, not where we have a terminal and include Dry Van, Temperature-Controlled Units, Flatbed, Local, Regional, Dedicated and Over-the-Road. Werner was honored with the 2017 Distinguished Service Award by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) for its outstanding efforts in support of military veterans and veteran spouses through its Operation Freedom hiring program. Werner has hired more than 10,000 veterans since 2012 and nearly 700 veteran spouses since 2013. Since beginning the Truck Driver Apprenticeship Program in April 2006, Werner has hired over 25,000 veterans and veteran spouses. APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM Approved by the Department of Labor and VA in April 2006, Werner established the industry's first Truck Driver Apprenticeship Program that has enrolled over 38,000 drivers. Those eligible can receive up to $23,714.40 in tax-free VA educational benefits in addition to their Werner pay. VETERAN TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM Introduced in August 2013, this program reimburses veteran who use their GI Bill benefits to pay for truck driving school as first-time student drivers. Payment is $250 a month, paid directly to the veteran. Total amount of payments will not exceed $15,000. FREEDOM TRUCKS The Operation Freedom fleet consists of eight military-themed trucks driven by select Werner professional drivers. The fleet's mission is to reach out and honor our veterans, demonstrating Werner's appreciation by aending driver school recruiting events, truck shows, community and military appreciation events – all while hauling freight. • Freedom Award Semi-Finalist (x2) • Extraordinary Employer Support Award • Pro-Patria Award (x2) • Above and Beyond Award • Patriot Award (x9) • Statement of Support Participant • Chair's Outstanding Performance Award Werner Enterprises has hired more than 25,000 military veterans and spouses since 2006 with the help of its Operation Freedom military veteran campaign and apprenticeship programs backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans A airs. "These mission-minded individuals add a depth of quality to our workforce that is invaluable in terms of renewable skills and dedication." – Derek Leathers, president and CEO, Werner Enterprises