Nine years ago, Mike Hallada graduated from Veriha Driving Academy and embarked on his trucking career. Today, he’s in the passenger seat—not as a driver but as a trainer, helping others follow the same path that shaped his life.
“There’s nothing better than sitting over in that passenger seat and watching the driver over here and seeing that big old smile because they just did something,” Hallada said. “They accomplished a maneuver they never thought they could do.”
Addressing the Truck Driver Shortage
The trucking industry is facing a pressing need for skilled drivers, with hundreds of thousands of job openings expected yearly. Veriha Trucking’s academy offers a comprehensive training program designed to prepare individuals for careers on the road. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on driving experience to give students the skills they need for the job.
“We not only teach you the fundamentals of driving a truck, but we teach you how to drive a truck,” Hallada emphasized. “How to survive out on the road, how to pick up loads. The day-to-day operation of the truck.”
Financial Support Makes Training Accessible
Tim Kordula, the safety, training, and development director at Veriha, shared how the academy is making training more affordable for students.
“We just received a grant from the state of Wisconsin that will reimburse Wisconsin-resident students half of their tuition,” Kordula explained. “They can come here, get their CDL, and we’re going to reimburse them half their tuition. If they decide to stay on with Veriha, we will reimburse them the other half after a year.”
While the academy’s training program spans six weeks, students also receive four weeks of paid training once they join the Veriha team, which has helped boost retention rates.
A Personalized Approach to Training
Veriha’s academy isn’t just for over-the-road drivers. For Joe Krueger, co-owner of Chipper Guys Tree Service in Wausaukee, the academy was a way to enhance his family business by earning his CDL.
“It’s not like a big tech school where you’re getting grouped in with a bunch of people,” Krueger shared. “It’s a little more personalized.”
Preparing Drivers for Success
The ultimate goal at Veriha Driving Academy is to provide students with the skills and confidence to succeed as truck drivers.
“I believe we take it a step further and we actually turn these folks into living, breathing truck drivers,” Hallada said. “They’re going to be safe; they’re going to be productive and be able to do the job by the time we’re done with them.”
A Path to a Stable Career
Training programs like Veriha Driving Academy play a vital role in preparing the next generation of skilled drivers as the trucking industry continues to grow. With comprehensive training and real-world experience, individuals are equipped with the tools they need to pursue a long-term and successful career in trucking. For more information visit Veriha’s Website.
Source: Spectrum News 1
Image Source: Spectrum News 1/ Nathan Phelps
