The B.C. Trucking Association (BCTA) has teamed up with the Kamloops/Thompson School District to help promote careers in the trucking industry to young people and to develop their skills for a career in trucking.
The partnership will result in the creation of a Professional Driver Training Program through NorKam Secondary School's new Trades Centre of Excellence. Grade 10 students will be able to enroll in the new program beginning in September 2014, the BCTA announced.
The program, dubbed the first of its kind in B.C., joins three other technical trades training programs at the NorKam Trades Centre of Excellence, which is currently in the design phase.
"Thanks to the vision of the Board of Education and senior administration, students with the interest and aptitude to pursue a career in trucking will have a head start in high school, mastering a curriculum endorsed by the industry, and they'll be job ready upon graduation," said Greg Howard, district principal, Trades N' Transitions.
Louise Yako, president and CEO of the BCTA, added: "Trucking companies across Canada are facing a shortage of from 25,000 to 30,000 professional drivers by 2020, largely due to retirements in the industry. BCTA has been aware of the shortage for some time, but the challenge was to find a way to engage youth and promote their interest and entry in the industry. We're extremely excited to be taking part in this program."
For its part, the BCTA will work with School District 73 to develop a training curriculum suitable for youth. It will include introductory modules for Grades 10 and 11 students, followed by a full semester of driver training in Grade 12, including use of a simulator.
"Increased opportunities for all types of trades training are important for BC students," said Howard. "By offering high-school level professional truck driver training at the Trades Centre of Excellence, we're making training more accessible and affordable for those who want a career in trucking. We're also meeting the needs of BC's industry at the same time. It's a terrific opportunity for both."
