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(Image Credit: Peace River School Division)
By Nathaniel Leigh
Peace River School Division

PRSD secures grant funding for Youth Commercial Driver Pathway

Apr 21, 2026 | 11:59 AM

Peace River School Division has received a grant from Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors to support their North Peace Commercial Driving Academy.

Over $950,000 has been awarded to aid the academy in its delivery of the Youth Commercial Driver pathway, a project designed to enhance the training and recruitment of Class 1 and 3 drivers to northern Alberta.

“This grant is a transformative investment in our students and the long-term viability of the North Peace Commercial Driving Academy,” says Dr. Jeff Thompson, Peace River School Division Superintendent of Schools. “By bridging the gap between classroom theory and the driver’s seat with high-fidelity simulators, we are ensuring our learners are truly ‘real-world ready’ after graduation.”

The project addresses critical barriers to entry in the commercial driving sector by providing structured pathways for PRSD and industry students.

“This program will strengthen our industries by directly helping young Albertans get the proper training they need to become highly skilled truck drivers and build long-lasting careers right here in Alberta,” says Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors.

The project integrates four core components for both PRSD and industry students: academic accreditation through specialized high school micro-courses, high-fidelity simulator training, manoeuvring yard skill development, and on-road instruction.

by Nathaniel Leigh