Commercial drivers and other industry employees are vital to the economic engines of Canada and North America. The trucking industry relies on skilled, trained and qualified people – and lots of them. BCTA does its part to support members and the industry to attract, retain and train workers to be safe, knowledgeable and productive.
Achievements
2011
Instrumental in convincing the provincial government to include long-haul truck drivers in the BC Provincial Nominee Program’s (PNP’s) Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) pilot project in 2008, which the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation approved as a permanent category of the PNP effective October 13, 2011. BCTA members who sponsored nominees assisted in the pilot project assessment.
Provided feedback to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada on changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker program.
Encouraged BC to exempt employers of long-haul truck drivers from having to complete Labour Market Opinions to receive permission to hire eligible temporary foreign workers.
Encouraged industry experts to volunteer for the Transportation Career Development Association(transCDA) Board of Directors and Trucking Industry Committee.
Gained funding for up to 15 Human Resources Essentials workshops from the APGST, to be delivered by summer 2011.
2010
Launched the BC Professional (Truck) Driver Training program pilot project in September 2010 with support from transCDA and funding from APGST and the Flemming Sondergaard Legacy Program. This pilot project is the final phase of the process for establishing a voluntary training standard for commercial drivers under the BC Industry Training Authority (ITA), initiated by BCTA in 2007.
Partnered with APGST to develop a forecasting tool for 36 key labour market positions and to research technology’s role in improving supply chain efficiency for the Asia-Pacific Gateway.
Coordinated access to provincial training funding for members of up to $10,000 per company, including free access to an HR consultant to identify training needs and opportunities.
Arranged free access for members to a “virtual” HR department – an online resource specifically designed for small to mid-sized companies without trained HR staff.
2009
Facilitated a transCDA review of current training standards and programs for heavy-duty equipment, truck and transport and diesel engine mechanics, to ensure that standards meet or exceed Red Seal national apprenticeship standards and to determine the most effective delivery method.
Developed trucking industry careers brochures for young people and women.
2008
The provincial government approved a long-haul truck driver Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). PNP expedites Canadian resident status for eligible workers. This is the first semi-skilled position to be included in the BC PNP (other provinces have included truck drivers as one among other semi-skilled positions in their PNPs for a number of years).
Received provisional approval from ITA in June 2008 for the final stages of testing and delivery of the proposed minimum, non-mandatory professional driver training standard, which was submitted to ITA in February 2008 by the BC Trucking Human Resources Planning Committee (which BCTA created in 2006).
With other interested organizations, successfully applied to ITA for approval for transCDA, the employer-based organization that oversees and maintains a wide variety of training programs for transportation workers.
Convinced the Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council (CTHRC) to fund a research project on safety and training for new Class 1 drivers, to investigate whether pre-licence training – and the type of training – affects the occurrence of crashes or citations during the first 12 months of licensing.
Helped found the APGST, which receives $500,000 in annual funding for five years (with the opportunity to triple funding based on need). APGST brings industry sector representatives together to address the common skills deficit that has resulted from increased trade with Asia-Pacific countries.
Delivered the first HR Essentials workshop for small and medium-sized companies, to provide practical help for operations without human resources staff, especially for the retention of professionals already employed. The workshop demonstrates human resources “best practices” techniques and provides advice and support materials specifically for the trucking industry.
Distributed For People with Drive career information packages based on CTHRC materials to approximately 1,000 employment counsellors and high school principals across BC.
Developed and implemented a free online job posting tool for members on www.bctrucking.com.
2007
The BC Trucking Human Resources Planning Committee developed BC Trucking Industry Strategic Human Resources Plan (HR Plan) to help the industry decisively tackle its human resources shortage over time. The HR Plan was released to significant and laudatory media coverage throughout the province.
The HR Plan identifies the need for a minimum non-mandatory pre-licensing driver training standard, delivery of training at a network of institutions, financing for driver trainees, and improved driver licensing testing standards, to create a more reliable pool of available drivers and add prestige to the profession for those making career choices.
ITA gave BCTA approval to draft a proposal for a minimum non-mandatory professional driver training standard for inclusion in their system. (This standard is the foundation for the BC Professional Truck Driver Training program discussed under 2010 achievements, above.)
Developed an industry employer survey to determine the extent of labour shortages for positions other than professional driver.
With the Flemming Sondergaard Legacy Program, granted 15 training entrance awards of $3,000 for Earning Your Wheels driver training and Red Seal commercial transport and diesel engine mechanic training to applicants.