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Trucking

A career in the PEI trucking sector: great careers for men and women

Trucking on Prince Edward Island Employer Hiring Practices

The PEI Trucking Sector Council is an industry-driven, not-for-profit organization committed to addressing human resources issues and promoting opportunities in the PEI trucking industry.

The organization provides a vehicle for effective industry participation in identifying and addressing issues related to workforce attraction and retention, career awareness, skills upgrading and training.

“On PEI, about 4,000 employees work in the trucking industry, and about 2,000 are Truck Drivers,” says Brian Oulton, Executive Director, PEI Trucking Sector Council.

“We have a population of Truck Drivers who are reaching the age of retirement, and we have companies that want to expand and grow. There is certainly so much opportunity.

“The most challenging positions to fill are Truck Drivers and Mechanics, although finding skilled people for any role is getting tough these days,” says Brian.

“Trucking is the backbone to the PEI economy. Without it, all other sectors would grind to a halt. Everything we use as consumers comes by truck, from medical supplies to groceries, the paint on the wall to the shoes on our feet.

“It’s all here because of trucks. We employ thousands of people in some of the best paid positions on the Island.”

PEI Trucking news you can use

How to apply to open positions

“People can apply directly to industry employers,” says Brian. Click here to find a list of open positions.

“We forward resumés regularly to industry employers, and we can help applicants ensure their resumes and accompanying documentation are strong. We also work with applicants to help them find opportunities they might not be aware of.”

Career examples

Wages

“New US Long Haul Truck Drivers start at about $60,000 to $80,000 per year. If they are willing to drive longer distances, they could earn up to $100,000. Drivers are often paid by the mile; the more miles they drive, the more money they make, but many others are paid by the hour.

The PEI trucking industry offers a diverse selection of well-paid career options,” says Brian. “Most roles have great advancement opportunities and it is likely a reason most people who join the trucking industry don’t leave it.”

For more information about careers in trucking, call the PEI Trucking Sector Council at 902-566-5563.

Visit www.peitsc.ca.

Women in trucking

“More women are moving into the trucking industry, but numbers are still quite low,” says Brian. “The number of women in trucking on PEI is currently around 13 percent of the workforce.”

How to check out if a career in trucking is for you

The Trucking Sector Council offers a full employment assessment to those interested in a career as a truck driver to ensure they are both eligible and capable of working in this profession.

This includes an Essential Skills assessment (TOWES), review of driver’s abstract for insurance purposes, review of the criminal background check, approval of driver’s medical report, and an industry presentation that highlights details about the career.

Training in Atlantic Canada

In early 2023, the PEI Trucking Sector Council will be offering a new Class 1A Driver training program called Find Your Drive.

From March 6 to April 21, 2023, and again from May 1 to June 30, 2023, Holland College is delivering Truck and Transport Mechanic/Ag Equipment Technician/Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Apprenticeship in-school training with practical training on specialized equipment from the Truck and Transport, Heavy Duty Equipment, and Agricultural Equipment industries.

As part of the block release process, apprentices attend four in-school training sessions in addition to the 7,200 working hours they need to accumulate to earn their trade certification.

The program is based at the Queens Country Highway Depot and will include onsite visits to industry shops across PEI. For more information, click here.

ASTA Safety is a safety training company run by Alvin Smith in Slemon Park. In addition to offering various health & safety classes, Alvin also runs Class 1 & Class 3 driver training courses and an Air Brake prep course. Visit www.astasafety.com

JVI Commercial Driving School at Slemon Park offers Class 1A and 3A driver training. Visit www.jvidrivertraining.com

Commercial Safety College in Masstown, Nova Scotia offers Class 1A and 3A driver training. Visit www.safetycollege.ca

New Brunswick Community College campuses in Moncton and Woodstock offer Truck and Transport Service Technician programs. Visit https://nbcc.ca/programs-courses

Nova Scotia Community College campuses in Sydney and Dartmouth offer Heavy Duty Equipment/Truck and Transport Repair programs. Visit www.nscc.ca/programs-and-courses

Trucking is a way to see the world

“Many loads leave PEI and go as far as California. That is approximately a two-week trip. It’s great for those who want to explore and see the world. They can use their downtime to explore the area.

“Trucking is a really great industry, and you get to haul some crazy things. Island drivers have hauled stuff that went to space, sports cars, and some pretty regular stuff too, like paper and potatoes.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION
About careers in trucking, call the PEI Trucking Sector Council at 902-566-5563
Visit www.peitsc.ca

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