Careers in the commercial trucking industry are now possible for 29 people receiving training in two driver-training projects funded by the Province.

Through $764,800 in funding, 18 women in the YWCA Changing Gears program, and 11 newcomers to Canada in the essential skills driver training at Douglas College, will earn their Class 1 license upon successful completion of the program. Each of the participants will also get work experience with local employers.

“Projects like this help people retrain and find new opportunities in growing industries,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “Through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, the trainees get the skills they need to find a good-paying job, and employers have access to qualified employees who are ready to work.”

With a Class 1 licence, the participants will be qualified for any position in the trucking industry, including long-haul driver or bus driver. More than 14,000 job openings for transport truck drivers are expected over the next 10 years. Another 4,000 transit operator positions are expected to become available over the same time frame.

Garry Begg, MLA for Surrey-Guildford, announced the funding at an employer networking event at Valley Driving School in Langley.

“It’s great to see connections being made today between people eager to start new careers and employers looking for great people to help their businesses to grow,” Begg said. “Today’s event, and these two projects, are all about getting people moving towards a better life for themselves and their families.”

Funding for these projects is through the Community and Employer Partnerships (CEP) program.

Quotes:

Tina Hurd, program manager, YWCA Metro Vancouver –

“Not only does the YWCA Changing Gears program assist women in acquiring their Class 1 license and securing a long-term career, it also provides them with the essential skills needed to be a successful driver, as well as a focus on health and wellness, safety and overall well-being in the industry.”

John Harrison, community and contract services programmer, Douglas College –

“We love delivering this program, because there are so many people that benefit. This Class 1 essential skills driver training program was tailored to not only meet the regional labour market demand and industry need, but to also ensure that newcomers to Canada can get quality driving, safety and essential skills training to build a valuable career. We know that those who undergo this type of training are more likely to be considered for the top positions at companies, and are more likely to advance quickly.”

Tamara Crabbe, participant, Douglas College –

“To be given this opportunity is not something I have taken lightly. Doing this course has given me the chance to have a financially stable future, and to enjoy the career that I am immersed in. The education offered through this program has given me an edge. I will forever be thankful for this opportunity and think that it will change the lives of people around me.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2012, more than 1,900 job seekers have benefited from work experience, and 330 CEP projects have been funded throughout the province.
• The YWCA received $511,867 for the Changing Gears program.
• Douglas College received $252,926 to run their essential skills driver training program.

Learn More:

For more information on community and employer partnerships: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/Community-and-Employer-Partnerships.aspx

Find out more about the YWCA Changing Gears project: https://ywcavan.org/programs/employment-programs-services/changing-gears

To see other programs Douglas College offers: https://www.douglascollege.ca/

Learn more about the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction: www.gov.bc.ca/sdpr