News Archives: SPECIAL PARTNERSHIP OFFERS DRIVER TRAINING SPECIFIC TO FOREST INDUSTRY
Thursday, December 6th, 2012
Grande Prairie Regional College is pleased to host a new Class 1 driver training course specific to the forest industry. The program, offered through the collaborative efforts of Alberta Human Services, Ainsworth Engineered Canada LP, Ainsworth Trucking Contractor Alliance, and Woodland Operations Learning Foundation offers a unique specialized opportunity for twelve students. The deadline to apply for the next intake is Wednesday, December 12. Successful participants in the training program will obtain their Class 1 driver's license and take part in a work experience program with one of Grande Prairie's local forest industry contractors. The objective is to provide an integrated training program in Grande Prairie which will train truck drivers specifically for professional driving in the forest industry. "This is a unique opportunity," says Grant Williamson of the Woodlands Operations Learning Foundation. "It will provide participants a combination of classroom training and practical experience that will result in the potential for direct and immediate employment." The program will involve both theory and work experience. The five-week classroom component is offered through GPRC Continuing Education and will involve theory-based knowledge that will prepare the clients to obtain their Class 1 driver’s license. Additionally this component will include essential skills training in personal finance, conflict resolution, and communication skills. The three-week work experience component will provide specific hands on training involved in professional driving in the forest industry. There is currently a shortage of log haul drivers in the region and the participants will find many employment opportunities upon successful completion of the course. "GPRC is very pleased to work with our partners in industry to ensure timely and responsive training for the workforce of our region," says Don Gnatiuk, GPRC President and CEO. "We are open to finding new ways to achieve results that meet the needs of our learners and our communities. GPRC is open for business!" Eligible clients must meet the following criteria: • 21 years of age or older • Valid Class 5 Operator's License with the graduated license conditions removed • Pass a Class 1 driver's medical exam • Pass an Alberta Government knowledge test for Class 1 driving as a profession • Produce a current driver abstract with a maximum of 6 demerits • Drug test Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, December 12th Start Date: Monday, December 17th Applicants should send their resume and expression of interest to: Grant Williamson c/o the Woodland Operations Learning Foundation at cgwillrpf@gmail.com to apply. More details can be found on the GPRC website at: http://www.gprc.ab.ca/departments/coned/courses/course_details.html?ID=DTOA1&cat=250 For more information contact: Grant Williamson WOLF (Woodland Operations Learning Foundation) 778-678-5658 cgwillrpf@gmail.com Dave Blackmore WOLF (Woodland Operations Learning Foundation) 780-830-6611 dlblack1@telus.net