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

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 them.

The program in Ontario is voluntary, which means that it is up to each individual carrier to decide whether or not to make the required investment in training.

"Because we believe that this is an important and valuable initiative, we have made participation mandatory for all of our newly licensed drivers. The apprenticeship program is based on 2,000 hours which represents approximately one year of experience," the company says

To date, Kriska has registered 50 newly licensed drivers.

"The key to a good future is a solid foundation," says CEO Mark Seymour. "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."