National Trucking Week

10 • September 1-7, 2013 2013 National Trucking Week M elissa Giesbrecht is cruising down the road towards a rewarding career, thanks to a fully-funded training program that paves the way for future truck drivers. Two years ago, she enrolled in the Entry Level Professional Truck Driver Training Program, which is developed and funded by Manitoba Public Insurance. This program provides training and financial support to potential drivers who are interested in joining Manitoba's trucking industry. "I chose this career because I grew up with my dad trucking, and almost all my uncles did it," Giesbrecht said. Through this initiative, qualified candidates receive up to 320 hours of driver training, including classroom learning, lab instruction and in-cab sessions with an approved Class 1 driving school. After that, an experienced coach from a participating trucking company provides three months of paid and supervised on-the-job training. Then the company provides the trainee with another six months of mentoring and paid employment. After all these steps are complete, the trainee receives a program certificate and continues to work for another 15 months with the same trucking company. In 2011, Giesbrecht succeeded in finishing the program when she was 23 years old as Training program paves the way for future drivers By JENNIFEr MCFEE For the Free Press Transportation 101 the youngest grad to date. Now 25, she's still working for her sponsor company, Payne Transportation, based out of its Winkler office. After she graduated, she secured a two- year contract with the company, where her dad and uncles also work. "The program did good showing me what to expect out of a semi and how to look after it and prepare me that way," she said. The training program teaches students about driving skills, trip planning and cargo handling. They also learn about customer service, administrative duties and vehicle maintenance. Another important component focuses on how to comply with laws, regulations, policies and standards. "The best part of the program was learning to drive such a big vehicle. I felt it was a big accomplishment," Giesbrecht said. "The best part of the profession is the driving. I love getting behind the wheel of that semi knowing I can handle it." For anyone who's interested in steering down a similar path, Giesbrecht recommends enrolling in the program. So far, 101 graduates have completed the training. "I would definitely suggest taking this course for people who want to start a career truck driving," she said. "I would suggest finding a company to support them like Payne did for me. Giving me a job once I graduated was a huge help." For companies looking to get involved, Brian Smiley of Manitoba Public Insurance offers important information. "The program is available to trucking companies that insure their fleets with Special Risk Extension — a separate line of business run by Manitoba Public Insurance that competes with other insurers for commercial trucking business," said the MPI media relations co-ordinator. "Manitoba Public Insurance is committed to road safety, and this truck driver training program offers a comprehensive training program which is based on National O c c u p a t i o n a l Standards." The training criteria were developed in partnership with members of the local trucking industry, the Manitoba Trucking Association and Manitoba C o m p e t i t i v e n e s s Training and Trade, he added. "This program provides 100 per cent driving school tuition. From a business perspective, it's important for Manitoba Public Insurance to show our support toward Manitoba's trucking industry and our customers in this sector," Smiley said. "This program raises the standard on professional driver training by establishing curriculum requirements for entry-level drivers that is based on national standards and is supported by on-the-job training. Better trained drivers increase the safety on Manitoba roads." Now as a second-generation truck driver, Giesbrecht is pleased with the outcome of the training program. "My dad is a truck driver and he's been doing it my whole life. He is proud of me for following in his footsteps," she said. "It's great knowing we can take a trip down together in our own trucks. He's very proud that I am now an owner-operator like him. It gives us a lot in common and has made us closer to having the same career." This program raises the standard... MACK SALES & SERVICE OF MANITOBA LTD Winnipeg 385 Eagle Drive Winnipeg, MB R3C 2E6 204 772-0316 Brandon 1874-1st Street Brandon, MB R7C 1A9 204 727-2549 Toll-Free: 800-561-1318 Contact us to find out about our Rental/Leasing Options! Two locations to serve you better!

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