Information and resources for training in the trucking industry
Driver Training InformationResourcesTraining
Truck Drivers
Goods and Services Suppliers
Canadians Employed
WHY TRUCKING?
The Trucking Industry is growing! It’s about providing goods and services to your family, friends, neighbours, community and your country. The Trucking Industry values the work ethics of the Professional Qualified Driver and we want you to share your ability and knowledge in Canada’s fastest growing Industry.
The Trucking Industry employs over 600,000 Canadians of which approximately 235,000 are Truck Drivers. As a result of this growing Industry, there are an additional 280,000 Canadians employed as goods and services suppliers to the Industry.
Benefits of Working In The Trucking Industry:
- Great People
- Great Income
- Travel North America (and get paid for it)
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Keep the economy moving
BE PART OF IT!
STANDARDS FOR TRACTOR TRAILER TRAINING
The 12 Week Tractor Trailer Standard for training was developed by THRSC Atlantic, with direction from the Trucking Industry of Atlantic Canada. The program criteria was created by Industry representatives who formed a Standards Committee to ensure that all new entrants are receiving the necessary skills and education required to become Professional Truck Drivers.
The standard for tractor trailer training was developed in 1995 with involvement from Trucking Industry stakeholders, government and private training institutions. The standard was adopted by the Province of Nova Scotia’s Department of Education and Registry of Motor Vehicles in 1997. This is the only recognized training endorsed by the Trucking Industry.
Based on the success of the Nova Scotia Standard, which is managed by THRSC Atlantic, the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association adopted the NS standard as the standard for truck driver training in Atlantic Canada in December of 2008.
Managing this standard is a priority for THRSC Atlantic. The Trucking Industry continues to face challenges recruiting skilled workers to the trucking industry – training standards are key to the success of the new entrant seeking a rewarding career as a professional truck driver in today’s industry.
Contact us for further information on the Standard for Tractor Trailer Training.
Considering a Career in the Trucking Industry?
Speak with Industry
There are no better people to talk to about the Industry, then those who work in it.
Visit the Schools
Find out what each school has to offer, visit the location and be sure this is where you would like to take your training.
Student Employment Success Rate
All schools should be aware of their student success rate, ask what the rate is. The Trucking Industry is hiring, with proper training that meets the standard everyone should be employed at the end of training. Ask what companies are participating in the internship component of the program – this is critical to your success. If the school isn’t offering an internship, find one that does.
Educate yourself on the Industry
Learn about the Industry you want to start working in. The Trucking Industry employes close to 500,000 people and has many good things to offer. Ask questions, learn all aspects of the career. What do Professional Drivers love about the career and what aspects would they like to change? These are good things to be aware of prior to signing up.
Checklist for Training
Class 1 Medical
- Medical form can be obtained through your local Access Nova Scotia or online .
- To be valid, must be within 6 months of Truck School Training end date
- Please Note: if there are any medical conditions noted on your medical, it may be forwarded to the Medical Review Board for approval of a Class 1 upgrade. Your Training Institution will notify you, if this is required.
Driver’s Abstract
- Obtained from local Access Nova Scotia
- The driver’s abstract shows employers what your driving habits are, a clean abstract is ideal, however exceptions can be made for 2-3 infractions depending on the severity of the infraction
- If you are unsure of employment obstacles, please speak with Trucking Industry employers to verify employment prior to training.
Criminal Record Search
- Obtained from your local Town Police or RCMP detachment
- A clean criminal record search is ideal for employment in the Trucking Industry
- Having a criminal record may prevent you from crossing the border
- Having a criminal record may prevent you from crossing the border, therefore limiting you to Canada only career opportunities.
- Please speak with Trucking Industry employers about employment opportunities, prior to training.
Letter of Intent
- The Letter of Intent is not a guarantee of employment
- The Letter of Intent is an acknowledgment from an employer that you have spoke with them about the Industry
- The Letter of Intent acknowledges that, based on the information you have provided to the employer at the time of writing the letter, that they would consider hiring you
- If you have a criminal record or infractions on your abstract, please ensure that you ask the employer about employment opportunities prior to investing in training.
- Speaking with employers about the Letter of Intent will enable you to see what your career opportunities will be after you successfully complete training
Valid Driver’s License
- Must have a valid Class 5 license
- Cannot be on the graduated licensing system. (“N” must be removed)
- Air Brakes, depending on Training Institution requirements
RESOURCES
12-Week Tractor Trailer Internship Program
The industry standard among Atlantic Canadian trucking companies is the (minimum) 12 Week Tractor Trailer Internship Program. THRSC Atlantic, in partnership with Industry, Government and Training Providers developed the 12 Week Tractor Trailer Internship Program.
The 12 Week Tractor Trailer Internship program has a consistent a 95% – 98% success rate. The internship component is the finishing piece that yields optimum graduate success.
The Trucking Industry is hiring, if you are unable to find work upon successful completion of the full 12 Week program, contact THRSC Atlantic for assistance.
%
Success Rate
8-Week in School Training
Training Institution Instructors instruct students on the proper techniques to operate a Tractor Trailer over an 8-week period. This includes but not limited to:
- Log Books
- Cross Border Training
- Day and Night driving techniques (minimum 40 hours behind the wheel)
- Winter driving
- Field work / Manoeuvring skills
- Air Brakes
- Safety skills
- Dangerous Goods
- First Aid
- Professional Driver Improvement Course
- Forklift Familiarization
- Life skills – includes nutrition, essential skills and computer / GPS / satellite
4-Week Internship
Qualified Professional Drivers, trained as Professional Coaches, bring their multiple years of experience to help assist you as you begin your career.
- Students drive for a minimum 100 hours (behind the wheel) over the 4 week period*
- Internship allows students to increase their skills with the assistance of a Qualified Professional Driver
- Students have the added benefit of having someone experienced when crossing the border, stopping at the scale house and real life driving experiences
- Advice and information from an Industry expert
* at the Coach’s discretion, provided the student shows skill and progress throughout the 4 weeks
Schools in Atlantic Canada
The Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association, in partnership with the Trucking Human Resource Sector Council Atlantic, endorse the Industry recognized 12 Week Professional Truck Driver Training Program. This, minimum, 12 Week training program is offered at various training institutions throughout Atlantic Canada. This program combines, a minimum, 8 weeks training at a professional training institution and 4 weeks of internship with a host fleet/coach.
Upon successful completion of the minimum 12 week program, graduates receive a joint welcome package* from APTA and THRSC Atlantic. For more information on the Industry recognized 12 week Training Program, please contact THRSC Atlantic.
*Graduates must be registered through THRSC Atlantic to ensure the welcome package will be issued.
Trucking Human Resource Sector Council Atlantic
Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association
Training Providers currently offering the 12 week industry recognized program:
NOTE: Training providers offer various programs – be sure the one you’re taking is the right one!
Breton Commercial Truck Training
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Breton Commercial Truck Training is the newest truck training facility in Cape Breton. Breton Commercial Truck Training is centrally located in Sydney’s new “Harbourside Industrial Park”. We may be new but our instructors have many years of experience in the trucking industry and with instructing driver training.
We are currently offering Class 1 (tractor trailer) program with Class 3 (straight truck) coming soon.
270 Stable Drive
P.O. Box 336
Sydney, NS
B1P 6H2
902-562-2088
Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick
Grand Falls, New Brunswick
The Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) has been providing high quality educational services and training for over 50 years in the province. We have recently added a new component to our program list in continuous learning. The CCNB Mobile Trucking Training Center is the only school in Atlantic Canada to offer truck driver training in French. The 12 week full time Tractor Trailer program leads to a class 1 driver’s license. It combines in class delivery, workshops, driving on simulators, in trucks and a two week internship in industry. Other training also available: class 3 to class 1, class 3, Professional Driver Improvement and Ecoefficient Driving. Potential students and businesses are welcome to call for more information.
CCNB Edmundston Campus
Grand Falls Training Site
160 Reservoir Street
Grand Falls, NB, E3Y 3W3
506-473-7764
www.ccnb.ca
Commercial Safety College
Masstown, Nova Scotia
Established in 1959, Commercial Safety College is a locally owned and operated private career college dedicated to provide the highest quality training in truck driving, bus driving and heavy equipment operation. Each of our programs were designed with industry in mind, ensuring students that they have the training needed to enter the workforce. In addition, each of our programs have met the approval of industry standard bearers and the Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island Departments of Education.
P.O. Box 848
Truro, NS, B2N 5G6
1-800-667-5455
safetycollege.ca
JVI Provincial Transportation and Safety Academy
Summerside, Prince Edward Island
J.V.I. — one of Canada’s best driver training facilities — was founded in 1994. It is owned and operated by former truck driver David Anderson. J.V.I. has modern classroom facilities with up-to-date training aids and materials. Most courses include First-Aid, WHMIS and Dangerous Goods training as well as complete training in Airbrakes, Vehicle Weights and Dimension legislation and Hours of Service regulations.
PO Box 92
Slemon Park, PE
C0B 2A0
1-800-363-1194
www.jvidrivertraining.com
Maritime Environmental Training Institute
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Maritime Environmental Training Institute’s Class 1 Driver – Tractor Trailer Program is a 15-week program that provides you with the knowledge, skills and 55 hours behind the wheel driving experience needed to meet the industry demands of a Class 1 Operator.
Our Construction & Oilfield Driver Certificate Program – Class 3 Driver Training provides you with what employers are looking for, with 225 hours of quality training.
Founded in 1991, M.E.T.I. is a licensed Driver Training School in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Act.
We provide environmental health and safety training and services, full-time programs, individual safety courses, and we accommodate over 700 managers globally who train their employees with our on-line training. M.E.T.I. is also proud to be working with over 400 businesses and organizations, providing instructor-led occupational training, coast to coast.
Visit us at metiatlantic.com, or call us 902-539-9766 (Toll Free: 877-800-6384).
301 Alexandra Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia
B1S 2E8
902-539-9766
(Toll Free: 877-800-6384)
www.metiatlantic.com
New Brunswick Community College
Moncton, New Bruswick
The Professional Truck Driver program is designed to prepare you to operate Class 1 vehicles to transport goods over urban, interurban, provincial and international routes. Professional drivers transport finished goods and raw materials over land, typically to and from manufacturing plants, and retail and distribution centers.
Upon completion you will receive a Certificate in Professional Driver (Class 1).
Program Handout
Program Details
1234 Mountain Road
Moncton, New Brunswick
E1C 8H9
506-856-2889
ct@nbcc.ca
nbcc.ca
Trans-Canada College
Moncton & Fredericton/Oromocto & Sussex, New Brunswick
Trans-Canada College is the original New Brunswick owned and operated truck driver training school. They have over 25 years experience training long-haul truck drivers. Trans-Canada College offers solid and highly respected programming, in order to best position you for a career as a transport truck operator. The campus is located just 10 minutes from the Moncton Airport! Trans-Canada College been providing professional quality truck training since 1984. Trans-Canada College Brochure & Course Information
| Moncton Campus 80 Harrisville Blvd, Unit 3 Moncton, NB, E1H 3N4 1-800-363-1194 www.transcanadacollege.ca |
Fredericton/Oromocto Campus 281 Restigouche Rd. Oromocto, NB E2V 2H5 |
Sussex Campus 616 Main St. Sussex, NB E4E 7H8 |
Transport Training Centres of Canada
Moncton, New Brunswick & Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
TTCC is Canada’s largest provider of Truck Driver and Heavy Equipment training. As industry leaders, programs at TTCC are designed with your new career in mind. We work hand in hand with employers to ensure our graduates meet and exceed employer expectations. Combine that with unlimited use of our state-of-the-art driving simulators and you get the best training centre in the entire country. Call today for more information!
| Atlantic Transport Training Academy 125 MacNaughton Avenue Moncton, NB, E1H 3N3 506-854-4049 ext.110 1-800-805-0662 ext.110 ttcc.ca |
Foundation Career College 9 Pettipas Drive #1 Dartmouth, NS B3B 1K1 902-468-8999 ext.110 1-800-805-0662 ext.110 |