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Alberta rolls out more support for truck driver training

$30 million in grants over three years
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According to Labour and Immigration’s September 2021 data, 41,000 Albertans identify “truck driver” as their occupation. Of these, 38,500 were employed and 1,600 were unemployed. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Provincial grants totalling $30 million over three years will support unemployed and underemployed commercial drivers in Alberta returning to the workforce.

The money will also ensure that drivers receive mandatory training that helps them be safe on the road.

“We are building on the success of the Driving Back to Work grant program that has helped hundreds of Albertans retrain for a career in the transportation sector. It’s important that we continue to support an industry that’s facing a labour shortage by putting more drivers on our roads,” said Transportation Minister Rajan Sawhney in a statement.

More than 50 per cent of all goods in Alberta are delivered by truck, and it’s estimated that by 2023 there will be a shortage of about 3,600 commercial drivers in Alberta.

According to Labour and Immigration’s September 2021 data, 41,000 Albertans identify “truck driver” as their occupation. Of these, 38,500 were employed and 1,600 were unemployed.

Chris Nash, Alberta Motor Transport Association president, said the funding will help remove roadblocks for careers in the commercial transportation industry and help maintain the efficient transport of people and goods.

“This announcement recognizes and supports a safe, resilient and evolving supply chain for all Albertans,” Nash said.

Annual funding of $10 million for the next three years is earmarked for the Driving Back to Work program to encourage more women to enter the trucking industry and for online and simulator training.

“The Alberta government’s investment in women in the commercial driving industry shows that representation matters and truly makes a difference. A career behind the wheel provides exceptional opportunities for our graduates to reach financial independence,” said Carol Moen, president and CEO of Women Building Futures.

Commercial drivers will also have the option to do their Class 1 road test in either an automatic or manual transmission vehicle starting in early 2023. This change recognizes the reality of the modern trucking industry where more than half of the trucks on Alberta roads have automatic transmissions. Drivers who are tested and passed on an automatic transmission will be limited to driving automatic trucks only.

“Offering automatic transmission training is a positive step in dealing with a shortage of truck drivers. This decision will open the door for more Albertans, including women, to take up a rewarding career on the road,” said Arshpreet Tiwana, manager at Skyway Driving School.



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