LANGLEY, B.C. — The B.C. Trucking Association has launched a new online campaign that addresses the skills shortage in the trucking industry by having real people in the sector explain why they chose trucking as a career path.

The Get Your Career on the Road initiative — at www.getyourcareerontheroad.com — is an attempt to help those interested in trucking get the information they need about making proper training and career path choices.

It will be available to hundreds of schools and career councilors across the province to assist them in being up to date about the opportunities that exists in the trucking industry.

“Our industry can accommodate virtually any lifestyle choice — a regular 9 to 5 job or the adventurous traveler who wants to spend time of the road,” says BCTA President Paul Landry.

While many industries are facing a skills shortage, Landry says, the impact of failing to attract more drivers and other key roles like dispatchers, IT managers, safety staff and mechanics, will keenly impact all British Columbians.

“People will be reminded daily of the old adage, ‘if you got it, a truck brought it.’ Because at best, there may a late truck or, at worst, no truck at all if we don’t attract more people to the industry,” says Landry.

The campaign includes a brochure that gives an overview on trucking as a career; a website that has loads of info and links on compensation, training, funding, as well as a job board for employers; and a 12-minute downloadable video.