Hey there, @awesomeal!
So happy to have you as part of the Southwest Family!
In Dallas, you'll get an overview of lots of things - from Benefits, to Culture, to more training for your role. This is a great time to get to know the folks in your training class too - lots of bonding time in and outside of the classroom!
There are tests in each of our training classes. These will be on the training information you've covered in the classroom and from your station. While they may require studying and be a bit challenging, they would focus on the information you'll use in your everyday role! Your Instructors are there to help, and they'll guide you through the process!
You've totally got this!
... View more
You will be training at your local station for about 3 weeks before traveling to Dallas for Now Onboarding. The first week will be computer based training also called CBT’s. The next 2 weeks would be OJT or On The Job Training. However, every station runs a bit differently or things tend to fluctuate so don’t rely fully on what I say.
As for scheduling after computer based training and before going to Dallas, your station trainers will provide a schedule for you. Again, the start and end times are subject to change, it all varies on your ramp trainers. Just know, they will have a schedule for you with 2 consecutive days off… it all depends.
After attending Now Onboarding in Dallas, you’ll return to your home based station to complete the last week of On The Job Training. From then on, new hires are mostly known to work night shifts and weekends. Employees with higher seniority tend to work mornings, during the week, and have weekends off.
During the probation period, I’d say the most strict thing to be aware of is attendance. Always allow yourself extra time to get to work and get prepared for your assignment(s). Getting to the employee parking lot from taking the shuttle all takes time, it’s always best to plan ahead. Also, when traveling on standby, don’t travel to a place that you know will make you miss work, as they can separate you from the company. If anything, just purchase a ticket back so you know that you’ll have a guaranteed seat.
So finding people to cover your shift can be both easy and difficult. So it’s best to know the people in your training class because you can both swap and/or cover each other’s shift. The more people you know or the more people your close to then the easier it is to swap shifts or find shift coverage.
In my opinion, the hardest thing about the ramp training process would be just grasping everything because there is a lot of information in a short amount of time so taking notes is definitely helpful. Also, adjusting to work in extreme weather conditions such as frigid temperatures or excessive heat waves can be challenging. Lastly, don’t forget to ask questions because the your station’s training department is there for you and is willing to help you.
Hopefully, my answers were of some sort of help. Also, congratulations on your contingent offer with Southwest Airlines… much luv from the DEN station.
... View more
05-10-2023
05:25 PM
2 Loves
Hey, @awesomeal!
These are such great questions!
When requesting time off, you would need to speak with your Leader on how to utilize your time off. They'd be able to best speak to availability and options for obtaining the time off that you're requesting - whether that includes vacation time, sick time, unpaid time, etc. In my personal experience, I have used paid time off options before any unpaid time off - with my Leaders' approval!
For Mandatory Overtime, that can vary from station to station. Since there are so many factors and events that happen in our operation, there isn't an exact frequency of when overtime is mandatory. It may be helpful to know that Mandatory Overtime is typically called on a seniority basis, and newer Employees (aka those with lower seniority) would likely be the first called. We're all working to be sure that there is a balance for our Employees while ensuring our operation keeps moving as well!
Lastly, for work between flight assignments, that could also vary from station to station! We've got some smart technology and People in place to utilize time and resources as efficiently as possible in our operation. There are always Cohearts to get to know, breakrooms to spend downtime in, and opportunities to pitch in elsewhere!
Wishing you the best of luck with your application! Thanks so much for your interest in a career with Heart!
... View more