Swift Transportation Co. Inc., www.joinswift.com, is providing 1,000 full scholarships to Veterans to attend a Swift Academy of their choice. The Phoenix-based company is offering full scholarships to veterans with a 1-year commitment, as well as a $1,000 tuition discount to Selective Reserves and National Guard with a 1-year commitment.
“At Swift, we are happy to honor and celebrate the bravery and courage of our U.S. veterans,” says Scott Barker, vice president of safety, recruiting and driver development. “We believe these men and women deserve the utmost respect from all of us, and we want to help those who might be interested in a truck driving career.”
Barker says former military personnel are a great fit for Swift because their values and work ethics align with what the company looks for in quality candidates. “Veterans are used to working in teams and with a high degree of trust for each other,” says Barker. “They are also used to adapting to change and treating each other with respect. These are all core values for Swift. In addition, just as safety is a key cultural value for Swift, the military instills a value of safety from day one of training.”
Through the Swift Veterans Scholarship program, the company hopes to gain long-term, dedicated and loyal Swift family members that can grow and develop with Swift. While the company has offered partial scholarships to veterans for several years, this is the first time they are offering full scholarships.
Upon training, Swift will place trainees in over-the-road dedicated or regional driving positions. Once an individual gets into the organization and performs effectively, there are opportunities for development into a team driver, dedicated fleet work and the potential to become a mentor for future new drivers; career paths also can lead to office and leadership positions.
Participants and those eligible must have been separated from service within the last 30 months or be an active member of the Guard or Reserve to qualify for the Swift Veterans Scholarship Program. Swift driving academies are located in Phoenix; San Antonio; Millington, Tenn.; and Lewiston, Idaho.
