The government of Alberta has recently made changes to Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) requirements for Class 1 drivers, but there are concerns about the training costs.
LAKELAND – The government of Alberta has recently made adjustments to Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) in relation to the licensing criteria for Class 1 drivers. However, concerns have been raised about the training costs.
The Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors has introduced a new learning pathway that follows an apprenticeship-style model. It culminates in a Red Seal designation and offers opportunities for on-the-job training to drivers.
The statement, released on March 27, mentions that following MELT becoming a new prerequisite for Class 1 commercial drivers in Alberta on March 1, 2019, insurance claims for Class 1 drivers have increased. The trucking industry pointed out MELT as a key factor contributing to the ongoing driver shortage in the province, resulting in higher time and expenses for driver recruitment.
This new regulation aims to address these issues, but not all trucking companies are in favor of it.
The general manager of CEDA in Bonnyville, Wade Fleury, mentioned that although most current drivers will be unaffected by upcoming changes, these adjustments could make it challenging for companies like CEDA to recruit new drivers. He highlighted that the current struggle to find drivers would be intensified by these changes.
He mentioned to Lakeland This Week that it becomes challenging for the company to attract new employees.
The expense is a drawback of these changes according to Fleury. He illustrated this with the case of a driver who upgraded from a Class 3 to Class 1 license, costing about $10,000 and requiring three weeks of training.
Not all companies have the resources to pay for this kind of training.
"Not all companies cover the costs for their employees to attend such events," he mentioned, noting that it can be particularly challenging when individuals have to pay for it themselves.
Jim Szmyrko, the owner and operator of All Night Trucking, a company in the Boyle area, expressed concern that the announcement could pose challenges for smaller businesses that might struggle to cover the costs of training.
"The trucking industry is highly competitive and challenging in terms of profitability," mentioned Szmyrko.
Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, mentioned that the new educational program aims to improve training for truck drivers. This will ensure that Alberta's truck drivers receive the best training in the country.
"This proactive initiative aims to guarantee that truck drivers in Alberta receive the appropriate training and operate their vehicles professionally and safely," stated Dreeshen.
The MELT program requires 113 hours to complete, excluding an 8.5-hour air brake program. Driver training schools cannot charge more than $10,000 for MELT courses.
The Alberta government has allocated $41 million for the establishment of a grant to support a new program, set to commence in March 2025, over a span of three years.
*Information is sourced from Cole Brennan.
