Apprenticeship for Ontario Truck Drivers Done Deal!

It is a done deal.  Applications are now being accepted for the Voluntary Apprenticeship Program for Professional Truck Drivers in Ontario.

A small group of Industry stakeholders started the quest for the Apprenticeship Program over two years ago.  After numerous meetings with all Industry stakeholders, the program is a reality.

Over the two and half years, the majority of the stakeholders’ meetings were held at MacKinnon Transport with up to forty participants attending to discuss the drive for Apprenticeship.

Ray Haight was nominated as the Industry Committee Chairman and says, “Minister Bentley and his team should be commended for their efforts.  This is a great day for the trucking industry.  The Professional Driver will finally receive the recognition they deserve.  I tip my hat to every stakeholder who committed to the project.”

The Minister of Education and Training, Mr. Chris Bentley announced the program at the Ontario Trucking Association’s Convention last fall.  The reason for the wait in moving forward with the program was having the Minister sign off on a Grade 10 requirement that allows participants to enrol in the Apprenticeship if they do not have their Grade 12.  Kim Richardson, President of KRTS has been a stakeholder in the process and feels the wait has been worth it.  “We needed to make sure there was a provision for people who want to get into the Apprenticeship and do not have a Grade 12 diploma.  We also needed to ensure this provision would not encourage our youth to leave school prematurely”, says Richardson.”

The process for the Apprenticeship will take an apprentice up to a year to complete their certificate of Apprenticeship. There is also a provision for existing drivers to obtain a similar certificate called a Certificate of Competency.

The trucking Industry has always had to deal with an image issue.  The Apprenticeship program may help encourage potential people looking for an Apprenticeship to consider the trucking Industry.

For more information about this release contact :

www.drive4apprenticeship.com

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