Southeast Alberta is accelerating toward a stronger future with the launch of the Wheels of Opportunity grant.
Funded through the Government of Alberta Industry Advancement Grant, the initiative is supported by $916,535 in provincial funding.
Wheels of Opportunity is a workforce initiative led by Safety Buzz Campus, looking to fill the gap where Cypress County and surrounding area has optimal irrigated farmland, but is limited in trained workers. Youth employment is high and the agricultural industry has many in the age bracket that is nearing retirement.
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Why It Matters: Keeping agricultural supply chains moving with much-needed and properly drivers critical for Alberta with expanded employment opportunities for the next generation.
In partnership with Prairie Rose School Division, municipalities, employment agencies and agricultural leaders, the innovative program is designed to address one of the most critical challenges facing the region – the severe shortage of qualified drivers in the agricultural industry.
Through Wheels of Opportunity funding, participants receive Class 3 licensing, air-brakes certification, safety and equipment training, professional development, and ag-specific hazard awareness. It totals an investment of over $3,600 per participant. With a state-of-the-art simulator, participants can safely practice in diverse conditions before hitting the road, giving participants, particularly youth under 18, a head start on their careers.
The Employment Pathway Grant helps cover costs for advanced training, including Class 1 and Class 1 upgrades.
Alberta is currently short 4,000-plus commercial drivers, which negatively impacts rural economies.
Participants can safely practice in diverse conditions before hitting the road, giving participants, particularly youth under 18, a head start on their careers.
