You get your training per diem once you're officially hired, meaning you pass training. That was how it was done last year. So like Zach said, bunk up and save money and make sure you have it up front. Also, one thing that ****ed me off to no end and something I let Nick hear about (hopefully he's changed it) is you won't get your first per diem check until the beginning of December. Which means the whole month of November you're living out of pocket. Yes, you'll eventually get all that money back but if you're not prepared for that, it will make November very tough. Have a big limit on your card and REALLY try to save that month if your funds are low.
Per diem can be direct deposited or mailed to your home address. It will be the 1st and 16th of every month for per diem, and salary every 2 weeks or so.
I guess they have gotten the timing down better. We started the 25th last year and I left for the first project on the 3rd. Of course I spend 10 days doing nothing in Indy cause leaves were still on, but I'd rather sit on my ass in Indy than Ba-ta-via