News Archives: Driver Training to Meet Industry Needs
Tuesday, January 15th, 2013
An integrated training program to prepare adults for the many driving and industrial jobs currently available in the Yellowhead region is being offered by GPRC Hinton this spring, funded by the Alberta Works initiative. Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC) is pleased to join collaborative partners Alberta Human Services, Barrow Safety Services and Big Rig Driver Education to host this new Industry Training and Class 1 driver-training program at the Hinton Learning Centre. The program provides a unique specialized opportunity for local students, and is designed to meet the hiring needs of local industry. The deadline to apply for the next intake is Friday, February 1, 2013. Successful participants in the training program will obtain their Class 1 driver's license and earn eleven safety certificates specifically requested by local employers. The program will involve ten days of safety certificate training offered in partnership with Barrow Safety Services. Successful students will earn certificates in Air Brakes, First Aid, WHMIS, TDG, H2S Alive, Confined Space, Petroleum Safety Training, Construction Safety Training System, Ground Disturbance, Fall Protection, and Professional Driver Improvement Course. "We were very careful to connect with local industry," says Renée LaBoucane of GPRC Hinton. "We wanted to make certain we were giving students the training that employers in our region are looking for when they're hiring." There is currently a shortage of entry-level laborers and industrial drivers in the region and the participants will find many employment opportunities upon successful completion of the course. In addition to the safety certificates, eight days of instruction will include essential skills training in personal finance, conflict resolution, computer skills and communication. Job search skills will also be taught and students will have two days to practice interview skills with local employers who are looking for suitable candidates for available positions. In the final two weeks of the program, students will work individually with Big Rig Driver Education instructors to prepare for the Class 1 driver's exam. A provincial examiner will be available so students can test for their license and earn their credential. "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 enthusiastic about working with communities, governments and industry to find new ways to meet the needs of our learners and our region." Eligible clients must meet the following criteria: - 18 years of age or older - have a valid Class 5 Operator's License with graduated license conditions removed - pass a Class 1 driver's medical exam by March 1, 2013 - have a current driver abstract with a maximum of six demerits - have a copy of high school transcripts Deadline to Apply: Friday, February 1st Program Dates: Monday, February 25th to Monday, April 8th Applicants can pick up an application form at their local GPRC Learning Centre. More details can be found at gprc.ab.ca/about/regionallearningcentres/ For more information please contact: Lynne Ness, GPRC Corporate Communications Officer 780-539-2951 LNess@gprc.ab.ca OR Renée LaBoucane, GPRC Manager Community Stewardship 780-865-7666 RLaBoucane@gprc.ab.ca