Photo Credit: GPRC

By Shane Clausing

GPRC

Local oilfield company donates truck to GPRC’S driver training program

Apr 21, 2021 | 5:33 PM

Grande Prairie Regional College has received a donation of 2005 Western Star tractor-trailer truck from a local oilfield hauling company, something the College hopes will help get more trained truckers out on the road sooner.

The company RyTy, which specializes in oilfield transportation, donated the truck to GPRC to help increase its fleet of trucks and intake capacity for its driver training program.

“Support for our students and program is certainly coming from a number of directions,” said Chad Boone, GPRC’s Industry Training Coordinator and Manager for the College’s Driver Training School.

“Like any vehicle, our fleet can experience downtimes due to mechanical or weather issues. This new RyTy addition not only helps us navigate the unexpected, it provides more scheduling flexibility enabling us to train Class 3 and Class 1 program participants simultaneously.”

Because of the donation, the College’s fleet of vehicles now includes four tractors and three trailers.

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The tractor-trailers are used regularly as part of GPRC’s MELT Class 1 Driver Training program, which focuses on in-vehicle, one-on-one training. After successfully completing the five-week program, students are eligible to take their Class 1 road test.

GPRC says the demand for truck drivers has risen significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and waitlists to get into the program currently sit at five months.

With the demand for the program growing, Boone says they’re happy with any donation they can get from the community.

“The generous donation from Gilbert Francois (President of RyTY Developments) is a great example of how a simple gesture can go a long way in delivering shared benefits.”

“Given the rising demand for training and qualified drivers in our region, GPRC would love to hear from similar businesses who can help us expand our fleet even further.”

According to a recent Trucking HR Canada report, three in five employers experience difficulties filling truck driver positions. The total number of vacancies in Canada has more than doubled in the last five years.