Newcomers get free A/Z licence training
The Ontario government will help 24 newcomers to obtain their A/Z driver’s licence, preparing them for careers in the trucking industry in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area.
The nearly $400,000 investment in a skills training project is part of an effort to provide more people with opportunities to find meaningful, well-paying jobs while keeping Ontario competitive in a sector that is expected to see 25,000 vacancies across Canada by 2023.
“Truck drivers serve a critical role in our economy by delivering goods and helping ensure local businesses can reach their consumers at home and abroad,” Monte McNaughton, minister of labour, training and skills development said. “There is a lot of talent in this province and this free program will help newcomers to Ontario join an exciting industry and build a better life themselves and their loved ones.”
The program, in partnership with Hamilton’s Immigrants Working Centre, Commercial Heavy Equipment Training and several transportation companies, comes at no cost for participants. They will obtain their A/Z driver’s licence, which is required to become a commercial truck driver in Ontario. This program also provides language training and interview assistance, a paid job placement for each participant, and funds to cover expenses such as travel costs or childcare.
“Programs like this can make a real impact in helping ease the labour shortage we’re seeing in the transportation sector for truck drivers,” said Caroline Mulroney, minister of transportation. “Families and businesses across Ontario can rest easy knowing that these future drivers will ensure the safe and timely delivery of goods to their communities every day.”
Recruitment for the program has already begun, and the first cohort of 12 participants is expected to begin training by the end of May. Participants are expected to be ready for employment by the end of September. The second 12-participant cohort is scheduled to begin training in August.
Job seekers interested in applying for this local SkillsAdvance Ontario project should contact Employment Ontario.
Have your say
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Yes
Hi,
Why only to immigrants, we have people here that can’t afford to pay to become drivers, lets look after them as well
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I agree whole heartedly. At he risk of sounding the R word. Make the ground level here. Make the offer free to those who are interested. Now make the next step and allow only certain schools qualified to accept these students.
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I would like to enroll in your program
$16,000 per applicant whether they actually take a career in trucking or not. Canadians can’t get a dollar to help with the realistic cost of $8,000 for full AZ certification. Thanks for nothing?
so 16,666. dollars for for a 4 month course wow the government has set up a sweet deal for some one almost twice the normal cost. and only new arrivals can apply.
This is selective bigotry/racism. I’d be interested in seeing what a Human Rights Lawyer would say about this practice.
In a time where we have so many people out of work, why such a narrow scope?
Hello,
I’m interested to get AZ license in Ontario.
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Canadian born here paid taxes for the last 25 years can I get paid school, I have 30 years of Clean driving in all climates and road conditions.
Oh very nice, very nice…..will there be a required period of work for an employer/fleet in return for this “free training”? When I started teaching ballroom dance years ago for an international chain, you received free instructor training (3 to 4 months of intense weekly training and practice). This was at the time about a $5000 value if you had to pay out of your own pocket based on the advanced program you received in order to become a teacher (and get paid). In return you contractually agreed to work for the studio for one calendar year. If you left before that time, they would sue you for $5000 and they always won in court. I wonder if this should be handled the same way? I am sure the taxpayers would appreciate *some* form of accountability Caroline……don’t we at least deserve that?
This announcement really pisses me off. I’ve been working for 42 years paying my taxes as a Canadian citizen and would like a second career as an AZ truck driver. I’ve been denied funding help because I don’t qualify and the schools want $10,000 tuition which is difficult for anyone to come up with. If there’s such a shortage of drivers why not make it easier for any taxpayer to get funding?
Had cdl in Ontario moved to states kept licensed for 30 yrs moved back to Canada now I have to take course don’t understand
how much expenses for living and trainning
Hello,
I’m new to came in January 2021.
Looking get more information on truck licensing.
Start stat
What’s need to be qualify ?
When I can start.
Thank you
Kandee Ratna
I am new comer and i would like to get a chance to get training apportunity for truck and get a job please help me
How can I apply for this free session, it’s my dream to become a tractor trailer driver.
I am working in Dubai taxi Corporation UAE as a Taxi Driver for last two years and I have more than 25 years driving experience. Could you offer me truck driving to pursue a career as a truck driver. 00971506546880
Wow i would Love to bee a part of this program
I am newcomers,I want to Az truck training.
I am looking to get my A as I have my b z now but don’t have funds to get it is there help as I have bills to pay as I will be in training
I’m living in london ontario I’m from the Bahamas I can drive tractor trailer and operate equipment but my license isn’t recognized her Ned assistance
Hi my name is Alexander McMann I have DZ I really would like get trained for AZ can you help
Hello , This is Majid
I am interested in getting an A / Z driver’s license
Is this program still valid ??
Hi there I interest about this information so I have G full and need training to truck so do have right to take this courses by free my states is pr thanks so for you information.
Is this training program still available? I’m very interested
I have my DZ licence but l would like to get my AZ licence! Can you help with this?
Hi am a Indian truck driver, here in canada as a tourist. Is it possible for me to get a chance in this training and job.
I am seeking a truck driving apprenticeship program. I am a very good candidate for the program provided there is a company out there willing to take me on. However, I am not an immigrant.
I do need assistance with the financial cost. I live in Toronto. A prime trucking area that will allow me to hook up with many companies. I have a class A practicing license that will allow me to practice with a fully licensed driver. I am interested in using my professional license to haul horses into the US. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks
Very interested to obtain my AZ as a woman, I am looking for ways to obtain the correct schooling needed. I am a Canadian citizen and was hoping there’s a way to join?
Looking for any help on where to get government funding for truck driving school. Looking for in the peel region.
Hi, i’m very interested in joining the trucking industry as a driver, but unable to save enough for training.
i would be grateful to get more information about your offer. Thanks
Hello sir/Madam
I am from afghanistan i am a newcome in canada i arrived August27 2021i have a G fully lincene with 6 years and three month now i want to get a AZ liencense can you help me for this situation because i don’t know how is the process.
thank you
Hi, It is great opportunity for the people who can’t afford to pay for the A/Z license training. I am a Commercial Motor Vehicle driver with G license and I need to upgrade my license to A/Z. Would you please help me on that and what are the requirements to be eligible?
Thanks,
Kifle
Ridiculous. Im a Canadian, can’t get no help. I have to pay $15000!
Stop helping others and help your own people Trudeau.
I’m ashamed to be Canadian.
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Amen
This is a joke,
How about offering this to Canadian Citizens first so we to can build a better life for our families instead of struggling to make ends meet and having no chance in being able to afford the ridiculous cost of attaining an AZ licence.
I would like to take opportunity to change my career. I am a quick learner, looking for to make a new career that I like.
Hey there I am new for Canada Live in Guelph I can’t afford to go Truck driving school so is there any possibility to get Truck driver training and hire me I will pay back the money you spend in the longer term.Thank you
How much it costs I want to get az I no how drive just need to be certified
How come only new comers why not help ones that are already here?
I live in this country and I have a G license and I want to work on trucks. I want an AZ license
Am very grateful for this program for we newcomers in canada we really appreciate thanks
I want to have A truck license training, I have G license and I live in London Ontario my number is 226 580 8535
i would like to be apart of the trucking industry and apart of this program
Good day,
I am very happy when I read through this truck training programme for people like me .
I am immigrant visitor with 4 years visitor visa. I am currently in Canada and it is my desire to settle
in any part of Canada. I have a strong desire to make truck training my profound career. How can you help me be
part of the this great and compassionate programme. Please I need your support.
Hello am newcomer l am very interested truck driver , right now i am looking to train az driving license. i have also driving license and have above 20 years driving experience my home country .
Thank you
How about paying for more Canadian kids to get there AZ