The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is pleased to announce the Explore Trucking Careers (ETC) program aimed at tackling the acute shortage of truck drivers in Ontario. The project will help 500 jobseekers and commercial drivers gain the skills and knowledge needed to land well-paying careers in trucking, while encouraging industry companies to create and improve training programs for current and future drivers.
“Support for training in our sector boosts employment and growth in our industry while bolstering road safety,” says James Steed, Chair of the Ontario Trucking Association. “It also pays dividends to all other sectors of the supply chain and economy that rely on transportation services to deliver products Ontarians rely on.”
Steed thanked the Government of Ontario for its strong support, noting that this program shows the value it places on the trucking industry and supply chain stability.
“Ontario’s truck drivers are everyday heroes who keep food on tables and ensure our families and businesses get the goods and services they need most,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our government is proud to support programs like Explore Trucking Careers so more young people get a shot at landing bigger paycheques and purpose-driven work.”
The ETC program aims to bridge the industry gap in career development and offers onboarding, additional training, and driver-to-driver mentorship to help refine drivers’ professional skills. Participating employers will receive $4,000 for each participant who successfully completes their training.
Hammad Hassan, Program Manager of Exploring Trucking Careers, Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC), expressed pride in TBDC’s collaboration with OTA and the Government of Ontario to bring about positive change for people across the province.
“The Explore Trucking Careers program will address the critical shortage of truck drivers in Ontario and help drive economic recovery and supply chain resilience,” he said.
OTA members can obtain more information on accessing the program by contacting membership@ontruck.org
This project is administered by TBDC and funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario’s Skills Development Fund Training Stream.
About OTA:
The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) was founded in 1926, and provides services and public policy advocacy for trucking companies hauling freight into, out of and within the Province of Ontario. OTA is the only trucking association in Ontario that represents all segments of the industry – for-hire carriers, private carriers, intermodal, suppliers, etc.
About TBDC:
Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) is the bridge between entrepreneurs and Ontario’s government resources, industry leaders, and investors that form part of the business ecosystem to help drive economic growth and job creation in Ontario. As a non-profit organization, TBDC offers a range of services aimed at supporting the development of founders and the expansion of businesses. TBDC strives to identify the most talented and innovative individuals and connect them with the right people at the right time, thereby facilitating job creation and promoting international trade. TBDC actively collaborates with our partners to provide entrepreneurs and small business owners at all stages of the business development cycle with valuable opportunities and tools to help them grow their businesses.