FERGUS, Ont. — A poll conducted at the Fergus Truck Show indicates strong support among carriers for the Ontario Apprenticeship Program for truck drivers.

Kim Richardson Transportation Specialists (KRTS) has been instrumental in getting the apprenticeship program off the ground, and it took the opportunity at the Fergus Truck Show in July to see where carriers stood on the issue. A total of 41 carriers were interviewed during the survey.

A whopping 92% of carriers polled voiced their support for the program. Only two of the 41 carriers polled did not agree with the apprenticeship program (one refused to answer the question). Thirty-five carriers questioned (85%) said they would be willing to participate in the program. Ninety per cent of those asked said theyd be interested in receiving more information about the apprenticeship program and 90% also said they would attend an information forum on the subject.

The survey also found 36% of carrier said they considered insurance premiums to be a hindrance to hiring new drivers. The survey also polled carriers on the subject of E-learning. Seventy-five per cent of carriers asked said they had some knowledge of E-learning and 95% said they had an interest in learning about E-learning.

For more information about Ontarios apprenticeship program for truck drivers, visit www.drive4apprenticeship.com.