Phone: (204) 632-6600  Email: [email protected]

I Trucking

Phone: (204) 632-6600  
Email: [email protected]

I Trucking

Class 1 Driver Training

There is always a need for skilled, professional Class 1 drivers.  

Manitoba, Canada, and North America move by truck.

Over 90% of goods are transported by truck at some point in their journey from producer to consumer.  In Manitoba, we need to recruit, train, and retain a new driver every twelve hours, every day for the next four years to meet anticipated demand (based on 2023 data).

 

What resources are available for those interested in obtaining the Class 1 license?

In Manitoba, there are two training options available:

  • the Driver Training Funding program, a 244 hour pre-employment program with tuition costs covered for eligible applicants. Graduates of the 244 hour program are professional drivers ready to work commercially OR
  • MELT (Mandatory Entry Level Training), a 121.5 hour program

 

How Do I Become an Eligible Applicant?

  1. Class 1 Knowledge Test and Medical. CLICK HERE for more information
  2. Meet with a representative from a Manitoba Jobs and Skills Development Centre.
  3. Secure a Conditional Offer of Employment (COE) from an employer.  With this COE, you can now obtain a letter of acceptance from an approved private vocational institution, or driver training school (see list of approved schools below).

*Individuals who receive a conditional offer of employment from a trucking company and a letter of acceptance from an accredited Class 1 truck driver training school may be eligible to receive up to 100% tuition funding for their truck driver training. Other financial supports will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis depending on individual need, but may include living allowances and other incidental costs.  Please note that eligibility for this program is limited to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

 

How Do I Get Started?

Call ahead to book appointments for any meetings, whether in-person, via conference call, or by phone. The first place to call is Industry, Training & Employment Services – 204-945-0575 (in Winnipeg) or 1-866-332-5077 (toll free) in order to get your application started.

Manitoba Jobs and Skills Development Centre locations (including addresses and phone numbers) can be found on this page:  CLICK HERE.

 

What Schools Are Currently Offering Training?

Accent Driving School Ltd.

Arnold Bros. Transportation Academy

Ben’s International Driving School

Blue Bird Class 1 & 3 Training Centre Ltd.

Buffalo Driver Training

First Class Training Centre Inc.

Front Runner Driving School

Highway King Class 1 Training Centre

Perfect One Driving School Ltd.

Professional Transport Driver Training School

United Transportation Driver Training

 

Looking for some information to get you started?

MPI’s Professional Driver’s Manual is a great way to get started on your career as a commercial truck driver.

 

Further Resources

Through their Career ExpressWay Program, Trucking HR Canada also has funding available for those interested in obtaining a Class 1 licence.  There are also wage subsidies available for employers to help with on-the-job training supports to help new drivers develop the skills needed to move from  new graduate to skilled professional.  Visit Trucking HR Canada’s website to learn more about this opportunity.

 

Moving to Manitoba from Province or Country?

The following link may help you with any questions about your driver’s licence: MPI’s New or Returning to Manitoba (*please note: there is no reciprocity for Class 1 licenses for newcomers to Canada)

 

Need more information?

If you have any questions about this program, please contact Danielle at the MTA office, either by phone (204-632-6600) or email ([email protected]).

 

*The driver “shortage” is based on the difference between the demand for workers (measured as all jobs in the occupation, both filled and vacant) and the supply of workers (measured by the total labour force, both employed and those who are actively seeking work). This “shortage” is a best-case scenario because it assumes that all workers who are actively seeking work are suitable candidates for the available jobs. It is likely that the shortage reported here underestimates the actual shortage of drivers. 

Job Seekers

Class 1 Training

Career Pathways

The Job Search

Employment Opportunities

Newcomers to Canada

Funding Provided by: Financement fourni par :
The Government of Canada          The Manitoba Government Le gouvernement du Canada          Le gouvernement du Manitoba 

Manitoba Trucking Association is located in Treaty One Territory, the home and traditional lands of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Ininew (Cree), and Dakota peoples, and in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. Our drinking water comes from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, in Treaty Three Territory.