CALGARY, Alta. — Trimac Transportation will begin training its entry-level drivers using the comprehensive Earning Your Wheels program developed by the Canadian Trucking Human Resource Council (CTHRC).

Under the new Train with Trimac initiative, CTHRC accredited Mountain Transport Institute (MTI) of Castlegar, B.C. will deliver the training material, while Trimac will offer paid on-the-job coaching, financial support toward tuition and a job upon graduation.

Earning Your Wheels includes two months of classroom and in-truck training prior to four weeks of supervised work experience. On-the-job training will take place under the watchful eye of experienced Trimac personnel that MTI will train as coaches.

The Train with Trimac program has been developed in response to the need to make a career as a Professional Driver more accessible, said Andy Roberts, MTIs president. Many people who are interested in truck driving cant afford the training. The Train with Trimac program removes that hurdle.

Participants in the program will have access to financing that covers up to 73% of tuition costs. Those drivers who stay with Trimac for two years will also be eligible for a tuition refund worth up to $5,000.

The success of Trimac and the growth of the trucking industry have created an ongoing need for qualified drivers, noted Norm Kennedy, Trimacs vice-president of Western Canada Operations. The Train with Trimac program is designed to assist new drivers in receiving the training required and to come to work for us. We are confident that the students graduating from the Train with Trimac program at MTI will be well trained and focused on safe work habits.

The Earning Your Wheels program was developed by the CTHRC to provide a recognized professional training program for the trucking industry.

Earning Your Wheels is the leading training standard within Canadas trucking industry, and will help to ensure that these trainees are properly prepared for successful careers, said Roy Craigen, CTHRC chairman. Trimacs decision to offer financial assistance to its trainees will be particularly welcome to those who believe tuition costs are an insurmountable barrier to an effective training experience.