Something big is rolling through the College of the Rockies Golden Campus. The Class 1 Truck Driver Program. I sat down with Alycia Weir to learn more about this program.
This program is funded by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and is provided to anyone eligible for Employment insurance completely free of charge.
Students receive 8 weeks of online theory and essential skills training (including 7 safety certificates) followed by 4 weeks of hands on driver training. The program includes 60 hours of one-on-one drive time in addition to simulator training to ensure students are fully prepared for the unexpected that often happens on Canada’s highways. Students finish the program with a 4 week work placement to fully prepare them for the workplace.
As of now, the College has started online classes with their second cohort and students in the first cohort have taken and passed their Class 1 driving test. Perhaps more impressive are the accolades coming in from those already on work placement. The employers and co-workers are equally impressed with the level of skill and knowledge these new students possess - a testament to a well developed program.
The Golden campus is currently the only COTR campus to be offering this Class 1 Truck driver training program and timing could not be better for our small town. As you know, Golden is preparing for the upcoming Kicking Horse Canyon Project (KHCP). With new, qualified drivers on the road, the college is ensuring our community has the training we need to take advantage of the upcoming influx of work.
Want to learn more about the Class 1 Truck Driver Program? Contact
[email protected]
Did you know?
BC Infrastructure Benefits (BCIB) is tasked with ensuring locals are employed where possible for the duration of the KHCP. Want to learn more about the Community Benefits Agreement from the BC Infrastructure Benefits Program? Reach out to
[email protected].