The BC Professional (Truck) Driver Training Program is the result of an industry-led initiative by the BC Trucking Association to establish a training standard for professional truck drivers in this province. The program combines research on driver training programs, standards and best practices across Canada with input from trucking industry experts to create a standard that meets the needs of the truck transportation industry in BC. The program also provides potential driver trainees with a reliable and respected training alternative as a base for their careers.

The Transportation Career Development Association is an industry training organization recognized by the Industry Training Authority (ITA) with responsibility to engage stakeholders, develop or modify programs, and recommend standards to the ITA.

The ITA is a Provincial Crown Agency that oversees B.C.'s industry training and apprenticeship system, providing a skilled workforce for industry and career development opportunities for British Columbians. Under the terms of the Industry Training Authority Act the ITA is effectively established as an occupational standards and certification body for a range of industrial occupations for which apprenticeship training is the predominant method of delivery.

Through this request for proposal, the Transportation Career Development Association wishes to identify a proponent to conduct a pilot delivery of the Professional (Truck) Driver training program to a class of 8 – 16 students. Subject to demand and funding, class sizes could increase up to 20 students, with pilot programs being offered in multiple locations throughout British Columbia.

The Transportation Career Development Association, in conjunction with the BC Trucking Association, are currently recruiting and screening candidates for the pilot program. All successful candidates will be registered with the Industry Training Authority, listing the Transportation Career Development Association as their sponsor.

The proponent will deliver the Phase 1 in-school technical training in that consists of 8 weeks of classroom and practical training (180 hours behind the wheel and 60 hours in the classroom)

Students will be taught according to the program outline and learn how to drive bobtail (tractor only) and tractor/trailer combinations, including basic vehicle manoeuvres, conduct vehicle inspections and perform routine vehicle maintenance. Their training will prepare them to take the ICBC road test and examination to get the Class 1 licence during this term.

The student will then advance into Phase 2 for four weeks of job coaching and Phase 3 for 1000 hours of work-based training culminating in a final practical examination to earn a Certificate of Qualification as a Professional (Truck) Driver.

Click here to view the full request for proposal.