The Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada (PTTAC) is applauding Alberta’s newly announced Class 1 Learning Pathway, calling the flexible, apprenticeship-style approach a significant step toward improving training standards and addressing the province’s driver shortage.

“The recent announcement by the Alberta government and their approach to raising the standards for commercial truck training in Alberta aligns with the key goals and objectives of PTTAC provincially and nationally,” said Jim Campbell, chairman of PTTAC and president of First Class Training Centre in Winnipeg, in a news release.

The new program introduces a tailored learning model focused on hands-on experience and increased in-cab instruction hours. It is supported by a $54.1-million investment over three years, designed to help carriers attract and train new drivers through grants and workforce development funding.

Carmela Gennaro, president and general manager of Edmonton-based Gennaro Transport Training and Gennaro Express Lines, called the new model a major step forward for Alberta’s commercial transportation sector.

“With a more flexible, hands-on training approach and increased in-cab instruction hours, aspiring truck drivers will gain the skills needed for long-term success while improving road safety and employment opportunities,” Gennaro said.

Gennaro added a potential Red Seal apprenticeship pathway could make trucking a more attractive, safer, and structured career choice.

“One of our key objectives at PTTAC is to ensure truck training schools are standardized and compliant, provincially and nationally,” Campbell added. “We look forward to a continued successful working relationship with the Alberta government.”

Several Alberta schools and suppliers are members of PTTAC.