Tennessee-based Averitt Express has announced a new on-the-job training diesel mechanic program for veterans and family members with Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. It is part of Averitt’s commitment to hire 1,200 additional veterans by 2020, adding to the hundreds of veterans the company currently employs.
Individuals selected for the program will be trained by Averitt’s shop leaders, maintenance coordinators and experienced technicians on everything from basic computer skills to assisting with in-depth repair on tractor/trailers. The program offers paid clock hours, raises based on experience level and an option for a four-day work week.
Eligible applicants must qualify for Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. As part of the OJT program, these individuals will receive a full 12 months of on-the-job training and are eligible to earn up to $1,140 per month tax-free through the GI Bill in addition to weekly Averitt pay. Benefit checks are paid directly from the Department of Veteran Affairs, typically four to six weeks after training begins. Averitt pay for the OJT program starts at $10.75 per hour and eventually hits $18.30 per hour at month 11 and $21.50 per hour after month 12.
“At Averitt Express, we believe that every veteran deserves to work in a supportive environment with a company focused on his or her success,” said Laura Wettack, personnel manager for Averitt. “We’re proud to honor veterans and their families by helping them embark on fulfilling second careers. We are always looking for ways we can bring veterans into the Averitt family and our GI Bill OJT diesel mechanic program does exactly that.”
