Saskatchewan: Student Loan for Truck Drivers Training | MyConsultant

Saskatchewan: Student Loan for Truck Drivers Training

Saskatchewan is seeking the Canadian federal government’s approval of student loans to cover the transport-trailer drivers mandatory training.

The need for this training became more apparent after the fatal Humboldt Broncos bus crash in April 6, 2018. Recently, other provinces are taking steps to introduce similar training for new Class 1 drivers, and potentially heightening the pressure on governments to make them more accessible.

The benefit of the training in reducing road accidents and exhibiting professionalism of the industry cannot the overemphasized, however, the high cost of about $10,000 in Saskatchewan, limits the participation of intending truck drivers. Regrettably, prospective Class 1 drivers are not currently eligible for student loans because the safety courses are shorter than the 12-week minimum, and because driving schools are not often offered by designated post-secondary institutions. To remedy this situation, Great Plains College in Saskatchewan began offering the classroom portion of Class 1 driving safety instructions to mitigate the cost to $1,195, lasting only two weeks.

Safety advocates are calling for even more in-depth training, citing Manitoba’s Professional Truck Driver Training program, funded by a pilot project.

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