Program launched to train female transport truck drivers in Sask.

The Government of Saskatchewan has launched a new pilot program for women who want training to become transport drivers.

In a release, the province says, the program, called Women Shifting Gears, is a partnership between the Saskatoon YWCA, the Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA) and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Immigration and career training.

“Transport truck drivers are an in-demand occupation in Saskatchewan, and an added bonus to this program is that it will help diversify our labour force,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said.  “It’s an exciting new project that will bring opportunities in a non-traditional occupation to benefit individuals, the province’s thriving trucking industry and communities.”

Ten women will go into the program which will operate in three phases.

In phase one, there will be nine weeks of pre-employment training at the Saskatoon YWCA. Participants will be matched up with an employer by the STA in phase two for a three-week work placement. It is expected that after completion of phase two, drivers will receive either an offer of work or a conditional offer that would lead to phase three. In that phase, trainees will receive 1A driver training through the Mandatory Entry Level Training program for Level 1A Drivers.

“The YWCA Saskatoon has a long history of removing barriers for women and that’s why we’re so pleased to be working with the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Trucking Association to offer women more opportunity in the workplace,” Saskatoon YWCA CEO Cara Bahr said.  “We believe that a strong economy is dependent on innovation and partnership, this a great example of both.”

The cost to the province will include $60,000 for pre-employment training from the Workforce Development budget and up to $100,000 from the Canada Saskatchewan Job Grant for 1A Truck Driver Training.