PRESCOTT, Ont. — Kriska has announced that four of its company drivers have successfully met the requirements of the new Ontario Commercial Tractor-Trailer Driver Apprenticeship Program. 

The first round of Kriska drivers to graduate from this program include: Laszlo Ehman; Chris Richardson; Jim Colpitts; and Stephen Phagoo. In recognition of their achievement, plaques were presented to the drivers by Paul Dean of Kriska and Robin Henry of the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities.

In April of 2008, Kriska was approved to deliver training under the apprenticeship guidelines for the newly recognized trade of Commercial Tractor Trailer Driver, according to the company. To date, Kriska has registered 50 newly-licensed drivers. 

“The key to a good future is a solid foundation,” says Mark Seymour, president and CEO of Kriska. “We believe in the program, as it clearly defines the training necessary to achieve certification. Both the employee and employer benefit so it’s a win/win. We look forward to the day when the market recognizes the value of a professional truck driver, through the apprenticable trade certification program. It’s long overdue.”

In order to qualify, a newly-licensed driver must be trained by a company that has a program that is registered with, and approved by the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities. Kriska is one of a few carriers in Ontario that is able to deliver training that satisfies the apprenticeship guidelines, according to a statement from the company.

The Commercial Tractor-Trailer Driver Apprenticeship program in Ontario is voluntary, and it is up to each individual carrier to decide whether or not to make the required investment in training, states Kriska. The company believes that this is an important and valuable initiative, and has made participation mandatory for all of its newly licensed drivers. The apprenticeship program is based on 2,000 hours which represents approximately one year of experience.