News Release Archive

EDUCATION/CULTURE--NEW TRUCKING CURRICULUM MEANS SAFER HIGHWAYS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A new provincial curriculum for training professional truck
drivers will mean safer highways and a stronger industry.

The Nova Scotia Trucking Regional Industry Training Council has
announced a new provincial curriculum today after two years of
development in partnership with government, industry and
trainers.

The long-haul trucking industry currently faces a shortage of
qualified drivers. It is expected that 2,700 new drivers will be
needed in Atlantic Canada by the year 2000. To date, more than 90
per cent of those trained under the new program have found
employment.

"This curriculum was developed through the experience and
expertise of the trucking industry and its success reinforces the
importance of links between industry and education partners,"
said Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison.

"The new program sets the standard for training in the trucking
industry in Nova Scotia, and there has been interest expressed
nationally and internationally in the Nova Scotia internship
program."

Students are screened through an intensive process that involves
a physical examination, testing of literacy and numeracy skills,
and an evaluation of the student's aptitude and interest in the
trucking industry. Those accepted into the program spend eight
weeks developing basic skills at a training institution before
beginning a mandatory four-week internship, learning with a
trained coach at an established long-haul trucking fleet. Coaches
are required to file weekly reports on the student's progress
with the training institution.

"The new program combines screening for the right students with
intensive training and over-the-road experience under a certified
coach," said Steve Corbett, training council chairman. "We've
also extended the program and added an internship component so
new drivers are exposed to real-life, hands-on experience."

Graduates are tested under the regulatory standards of the Nova
Scotia Department of Business and Consumer Services. Those
passing the examination are granted a Class 01 license,
qualifying them for employment in long-haul trucking.

"Standardized training means safer drivers," said Sandy Jolly,
minister of business and consumer services. "It's a move that is
good for the industry and good for us all."

The Nova Scotia Trucking Regional Industry Training Council is an
industry-driven non-profit society funded by Human Resources
Development Canada and industry partners. The Commercial Safety
College in Masstown, N.S., also played a key role in developing
and piloting the new curriculum.

-30-

Contact: Catherine MacIsaac
         Education and Culture
         902-424-2795

         Dianne Isnor
         Trucking Regional Industry Training Council
         902-678-4308

trp                   June 25, 1997 - 3:58 p.m.