Hugo Barron Builds His Career

Our graduate Hugo Barron got his truck and bus driver licenses and began working in a matter of a few months!

Weeks ago, he told our placement coordinator Marcelle Gerard, “I’ve decided to take ***** up on his offer. Training starts Nov. 28th. I’d like to thank you guys for being the stepping stone between my military service and my next career move.”

For Hugo, Marcelle wanted to share, “It is not often that someone’s first interaction with a company is in person and not through an online application. Upon first being introduced to this hiring company, Hugo met the recruiting manager who would be one of the deciding factors affecting his offer of employment.” This was at a presentation made just for our students and graduates.

“It’s personal right from the beginning,” Marcelle continued. “This company gets the feel for you in person as opposed to just looking at a resume. We are appreciative of the visits that they make to provide presentations and chances for meeting our students. Without this opportunity, our students succeed with less limitations for their future. I am so happy that Hugo has found a home with this company and that we were able to support him along his own path to success!”

She touched base with him shortly after and Hugo replied, “Everything is going great! I’m in my 2nd week of training. It’s almost unreal how well they value their workers. Met the company president. [...] The compensation for our hard work is generous and benefits are excellent. It’s hard work but worth every bit of it. The promotions are there all it takes is time and hard work. I have full intentions on making this a career. “

Graduate Joseph Lettier Gets His Truck and Bus License


Congratulations to Joseph Lettier for graduating with his commercial truck and bus driver license! He had a few things to share with us after passing both of his driving tests. Class isn’t easy– he told us, “Biggest moment… when Ward just keep going over skills and didn’t move on till I got it and Ryan when he didn’t let me move on with driving till I got it– seemed to me that they cared about my success.” Our Twentynine Palms instructors Ward and Ryan, he described, were “friendly, cool, and knowledgeable.”

He came to CCS because “it [...] seemed to be more of a firm school than *** and the credit hours for college. [...] They offer more in friendship and training offers than any other school.”

Once again, congratulations to Joseph for getting his unrestricted class A with passenger endorsement! We are always here to assist in any of your CDL job searches even years from now.

Graduate Benefits from Instructor’s Teaching Methods

Marine John Wise recently acquired his class A and passenger endorsement at our Oceanside training location just minutes outside of Camp Pendleton. He had a few things to share about his learning experiences with our instructors over the duration of his training. John graduated from class in just over a month!

John wanted to thank both of his instructors, Jose Ballesteros and Joseph Evins. “They’re all about the student learning.” He described Joseph as “smooth” and “breaks it down step by step.” Jose, on the other hand, is someone he felt was, “fact-based, fast-paced” and geared towards “fast learners.” To John, it was important to receive constructive criticism and this is something that Jose did not hesitate to provide. “Jose’s a trip,” he laughed. “They make a good team.”

“Right now,” he told us, “I’m still active duty. [...] I’m waiting for a transportation company in New York.” He had already sent in his resume and is hoping for the good news to come up soon.

“I would definitely recommend the school,” John said, citing our accreditation and flexibility with our Military students. “I enjoyed [the class]– it was fun to me. If I could do it all day, I would.”

Once again, congratulations to John for completing the course successfully and quickly. We wish him luck in his endeavors in New York!

USMC Greene Gets Truck License

Marine Andrew Greene got his truck driver license and is now scheduled for his DMV road test for bus tomorrow!

“‘Check, check and RE-CHECK!’ – was what Ward (one of the instructors) had told me the day before my [truck] road test and what this little advice was actually key to me passing this final test. (Check, check and re-check my mirrors.) Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that make the world go round,” Andrew shared with us.

“The greatest challenge,” he told us, “was memorizing the pre-trip inspection of the truck and all components that came with it, but once you get that down everything else is just repetition and muscle memory, so, honestly, it’s not that bad.”

We asked him about his plans after California Career School. “To be honest, I’m not sure,” he said. “I still have 2 years in the Marine Corps to finish, but after that– look for a job somewhere near my home state and work from there.”

We wish Andrew good luck on his test tomorrow! With the truck test already passed, it’s all downhill with the bus!

Congratulations Michael!

Congratulations to Michael Catalano for obtaining his truck driver’s license. Michael always maintained a positive attitude and regularly helped his classmates as well. “Working with one of my class mates,” Michael said, “Learning our pre-trip. We were both having trouble. I found out by helping someone else all day, made me learn things twice as fast.”

He also told us how his training went, “What can I say other than everyone went that extra mile… You are always there for your students.”

“California Career School is second to none in my book,” Michael shared. “I will recommend you to anyone looking to drive.”

Once again congratulations Michael and we wish you luck in all that you do!

PTSD – Not All Wounds Are Visible

California Career School is dedicated to assisting our Military not only through their transition to civilian life with employment but also in readjustment counseling service, offered by numerous Vet Centers throughout Southern California.

MV Transportation Pays A Visit

MV Transportation made an appearance at our Anaheim headquarters last Friday presenting about their company to students from our Anaheim, Oceanside, and Twentynine Palms training locations.

Together with job openings, their paratransit department and routes were the main topic of the presentation. The company is currently expanding rapidly with constant bidding on contracts not only in California but also abroad in Saudi Arabia, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

Our placement coordinator Marcelle Gerard stated, “In hard economic times, there are companies that are continuing to grow, adding to their revenue, and increasing their employees which gives hope to many of our students needing to support their families.”

Click here for MV Transportation’s job openings

Contact our placement coordinator for assistance in applying for these jobs! (800) 499-6585

California Career School wants to thank MV Transportation for coming out to see our students over here in Southern California and we hope to meet again in the future!

Exclusive One-on-One Employer Meet

Meeting is tomorrow! RSVP at (800) 499-6585.

Attention graduates, current students, and prospective students: a major transportation company will be making a presentation at CCS on November 18, 2011 at our Anaheim office.

According to their website, they are “NOW HIRING FULL TIME & PART TIME DRIVERS IN ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – CDL B license required.” This is your chance to meet face to face with a company that operates more than 100 locations across North America and is headquartered nearby in Southern California. It’s a good time to make an impression! Bring copies of your resume just in case!

Please RSVP at (800) 499-6585! Space is limited.

Students from our Oceanside and Twentynine Palms locations will have bus transportation available. Call us for more details.

Veterans Day 2011

“Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty. A complete history of Veterans Day, and why it is observed on November 11, can be found on the Veteran Day History Web page.”

Veterans Day FAQ

Veterans Day Poster Gallery

Video: Adam Schlusser Graduates With His CDL

Congratulations to our student Adam Schlusser!

Adam is now on a search for work and continues to remain positive in his endeavors. Good luck Adam and we wish you well!