The Veterans’ Guide to High-Paying Trade Careers at American Career Training

For veterans transitioning to civilian careers, American Career Training in Northern California offers the perfect combination of speed, earning potential, and job security. Located at 8530 Commercial Way in Redding, California, this VA-approved school can launch you from zero experience to excellent income in just months – not years.

Now accepting GI Bill benefits for both Lineman and Truck Driving programs, here’s why American Career Training is perfect for veterans who want to start earning quickly while building a recession-proof career:

Electrical Lineworker Training: 15 Weeks to Career Launch

American Career Training offers two comprehensive Electrical Lineworker programs, both completing in just 15 weeks:

480-Hour Program (Monday-Thursday, 7:30am-4:15pm)

Duration: 15 weeks with 4 days per week
Total Training: 480 hours including 120 hours classroom, 210 hours driving, 100 hours skills training, and 50 hours vehicle inspections

600-Hour Program (Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:15pm)

Duration: 15 weeks with 5 days per week
Total Training: 600 hours including 120 hours classroom, 300 hours driving, 122 hours skills training, and 58 hours vehicle inspections

What Makes ACT Special: Unlike most schools that only help you get a permit, ACT trains you on their 4½-acre campus using actual equipment (Crane, Digger Derrick, and Bucket Truck), then you take your DMV exam in their truck with their instructor.

What You’ll Master:

Pole climbing and safety protocols
Bucket truck rescue techniques
34.5 KV rubber glove work
Transformer connections and troubleshooting
Distribution line installation and repair
Hot stick work and overhead troubleshooting
OSHA 10 ET&D certification
CPR and First Aid certification
Complete CDL Class A training included

Truck Driving Training: 4-6 Weeks to CDL

American Career Training offers three CDL programs designed for different experience levels:

160-Hour Program (4 weeks, Monday-Friday)

Duration: 4 weeks full-time
Training: 30 hours classroom, 82 hours driving, 22 hours skills, 22 hours vehicle inspection

240-Hour Program (6 weeks, Monday-Friday)

Duration: 6 weeks full-time
Training: 30 hours classroom, 135 hours driving, 40 hours skills, 21 hours vehicle inspection

30+ Hour ELDT Program (1 week)

Duration: 1 week intensive
Training: Federal Entry-Level Driver Training compliant

Equipment Training: All programs use late-model conventional tractors and long trailers to meet industry standards, maintained at the highest level.

High Starting Wages – Both Fields Offer Excellent Entry-Level Pay

Lineman Salaries: Strong Entry-Level Earnings

Based on current Bureau of Labor Statistics data and American Career Training’s industry partnerships:

Entry-Level Range: $48,220 to $63,120 annually
Median Salary: $85,420 per year
Experienced Range: $104,230 to $119,920 annually
Hourly Rates: $23.18 to $57.66 per hour

The Real Advantage: Most lineman positions are hourly with extensive overtime opportunities during storm restoration and emergency calls. California linemen average some of the highest wages in the nation.

Truck Driver Salaries: Immediate Earning Potential

Current trucking industry compensation at American Career Training partner companies:

Entry-Level Range: $37,440 to $45,920 annually
Median Salary: $54,320 per year
Experienced Range: $63,010 to $76,780 annually
Hourly Rates: $18.00 to $36.91 per hour

Specialized Opportunities: With additional endorsements (Hazmat, TWIC), drivers can access higher-paying specialized loads and dedicated routes.

Critical Infrastructure Demand

Lineman Market: U.S. retail electricity sales generated $386 billion in revenue in 2021. America’s aging electrical grid requires massive modernization, and the transition to renewable energy means skilled linemen are in unprecedented demand.

Trucking Market: The U.S. trucking industry generated $732.3 billion in gross freight revenue in 2020, representing 80.4% of the nation’s freight bill. Trucks moved 72.6% of the nation’s freight by weight in 2022.

American Career Training’s Job Placement Advantage

ACT provides comprehensive placement assistance including:

Direct recruiter communications with major companies
Pre-employment paperwork assistance
Fax services for easy placement
One-year follow-up tracking to ensure career success

Geographic Opportunities: ACT prepares students for nationwide employment. Top-paying states for linemen include Alaska, North Dakota, Hawaii, and Montana. Many graduates relocate for optimal earning potential.

Clear Advancement Paths – Your Military Experience Gives You a Leadership Edge

Lineman Career Progression

American Career Training prepares you for this career ladder:

Entry-Level Helper/Ground Person – Starting positions with utilities
Apprentice Lineman – 4-year apprenticeship programs
Journeyman Lineman – Full certification and independence
Foreman/Crew Leader – Supervising line crews
Project Manager – Overseeing major installations

Military Advantage: Veterans’ safety-first mindset, ability to work under pressure, and team leadership skills make them highly sought after by utilities and contractors.

Truck Driving Career Progression

The trucking industry offers multiple advancement paths:

Company Driver – Steady employment with benefits
Specialized Driver – Hazmat, oversized loads, dedicated routes
Owner-Operator – Own your truck and business
Fleet Manager/Dispatcher – Office-based leadership roles
Transportation Company Owner – Unlimited entrepreneurial potential

Military Advantage: Veterans bring proven reliability, attention to detail, and safety consciousness that translate directly to DOT compliance and management opportunities.

The American Career Training Advantage for Veterans

VA Approved and GI Bill Ready

Full VA approval for both programs
GI Bill benefits accepted – use your earned benefits
Financial assistance – no out-of-pocket costs for qualified veterans
Veteran-friendly environment with staff who understand military transition

Comprehensive Training Experience

4½-Acre Campus: All training conducted on-site with real equipment

Lineman Program: Actual utility poles, transformers, and line equipment
Truck Program: Covered truck bay, 110,000 sq ft skills practice area
Real-World Conditions: Training in all weather conditions

Industry Connections

Member of California Trucking Association
Member of Commercial Vehicle Training Association
Direct partnerships with major utilities and trucking companies
Recruiter presentations during training

Investment and Timeline

Electrical Lineworker Programs

480-Hour Program: $24,995 total (after discount) 600-Hour Program: $25,995 total (after discount)

Includes all training, tools, safety equipment, certifications, and CDL training

Truck Driving Programs

160-Hour Program: $5,487 240-Hour Program: $7,787
30+ Hour Program: $3,780

All programs include comprehensive training and DMV testing

The Bottom Line: Your Fastest Path to Financial Independence

While other career transitions can take 2-4 years and cost tens of thousands, American Career Training offers:

Time Investment: 4-15 weeks of training
Financial Investment: Covered by GI Bill benefits
Income Timeline: Start earning $40,000-$60,000+ within 6 months
Growth Potential: Reach $75,000-$120,000+ within 2-5 years
Job Security: Essential infrastructure services that can’t be outsourced

Why Veterans Excel at American Career Training

Safety Culture: Both industries prioritize safety above all – a mindset that’s second nature to veterans

Problem-Solving Under Pressure: Storm restoration for linemen and tight delivery schedules for truckers require the same adaptability military service develops

Physical and Mental Toughness: Working in “rain, cold, hot, dark, high wind and all combinations” doesn’t faze veterans

Team Leadership: Line crews and trucking operations value the leadership and reliability veterans bring

Location Advantage: Redding, California provides access to some of the nation’s highest-paying utility and transportation markets, with opportunities throughout the western United States.

The opportunity is there. The demand is real. Your GI Bill benefits are waiting. The only question is: Are you ready to power your future at American Career Training?

Contact American Career Training today:
8530 Commercial Way, Redding, CA 96002
Phone: (530) 223-5693 or (888) 700-5693
Visit: AmericanCareerTraining.edu