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By Curtis Galbraith

Province introduces programs to train more truckers

Nov 27, 2020 | 4:42 PM

EDMONTON, AB. — The Alberta government says two new programs will make it easier for drivers to get a Class 1 license and address a shortage of truckers.

The province has set aside $3 million for its Driving Back to Work grant program. This will cover up to 90 per cent of the cost of the Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) program.

The province says in a release this will allow 300 unemployed people to earn a Class 1.

The MELT program costs an average of $8,900 across Alberta, with the maximum price set at $10,000. It takes 113 hours to complete.

Grant applications will be taken here.

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Another idea called the Experience and Equivalency Class 1 MELT program would allow any Class 3 driver with two years experience the chance to take a 40-hour training program to get a Class 1, rather than the full 113 hour one.