Ontario is providing free training for 54 jobseekers interested in starting their careers in the transportation industry. Thus, the province is investing $1.3 million to prepare women, newcomers and underrepresented groups for careers in the trucking industry.
On average truck drivers make about $28 per hour in Ontario. Participants will be able to receive up to $1000 for transportation and childcare support, $300 for equipment and a $400 weekly allowance. Training begins July 1 in Kitchener-Waterloo, the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa and London.
The project, led by the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada will provide participants with up to 200 hours of training needed to obtain AZ (tractor-Trailer) and DZ (straight-tuck) licences.
In a statement, Premier Doug Ford said, “The innovative program will help break down barriers to attract more women into the trucking industry.”
Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development said, “Truckers are the everyday heroes who keep the wheel of our economy turning, and we need to ensure more people have a chance to explore these purpose-driven careers.”
The project is funded through the governments Skill’s Development Fund.
Ontario plans to train young people for construction jobs
Stephen Laskowski, President, Ontario Truck Association (OTA) said, “This program is an essential component of the types of investments required to build a strong workforce that can support our economy into the future.”
The project will also cover training for forklift operation, defensive driving, workplace violence and harassment and human trafficking awareness
