Commercial Driver Services (CDS) offers opportunities for individuals to start or advance their careers through a series of excellent local and long-haul truck driving training programs.
"We offer individuals a great opportunity to grow in a growing industry," Victor Ratz, who co-owns the business with his wife, Petra, said. "There is no greater reward than creating a product and service that is truly outstanding."
With student enrollment up 50 to 60 percent, Ratz and his staff at CDS are offering state-of-the-art training and accepting of military related educational benefits. "Chapter 33, the post 9/11 GI Bill, provides qualified applicants the opportunity to use up to $17,500 per year on vocational schooling," Ratz explained. "This has been a huge plus for those who have served in the military."
One who understands the needs of prior Servicemembers looking to begin or advance their careers is Dion McNeeley, the school's director. "Here is an opportunity to advance; we offer the ‘meat and potatoes' to not only have a job but to grow in a career," he said.
Both McNeeley and Ratz pointed out the truck driving industry is growing. "Federal law requires that those who wish to drive much go to a school," McNeeley added.
He also made it clear that CDS works with local employers and provides good advice to them. "We've found that when we provide good advice, we have individuals looking us up to go to school here," McNeeley said.
CDS also accepts students falling under the guidelines of Chapter 33, the vocational rehabilitation program that provides funds for service-connected disabled veterans to go to school.
And finally, there is the tried and true Montgomery GI Bill - Chapters 30 (active duty) and 1606 (Reservists) - available to students.
While active at local job fairs in promoting what CDS can provide, both Ratz and McNeeley pointed to the growing relationship CDS has with Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
"We've built a strong relationship with the 593rd Sustainment Brigade," Ratz pointed out. "For their truck drivers we are their school."
For more information about CDS and the available educational benefits, visit www.cdstruckschool.com or call (253) 983-0200.
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