It’s called, “Women Shifting Gears,” and its a new pilot program for women who want training to become transport drivers. The province says it’s a partnership between the Saskatoon YWCA, Saskatchewan Trucking Association, and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Immigration and Career Training. Minister responsible Jeremy Harrison says, “Transport truck drivers are an in-demand occupation in Saskatchewan and an added bonus to the program is that it will help diversify our labour force.”

Ten women will go into the program which will operate in three phases. Phase one is nine weeks of pre-employment training at the Y. Phase two will match participants with employers by the STA for a three-week work placement. Following that, drivers are anticipated to receive either a work offer or a conditional offer which will lead to phase three where the trainees will receive 1A Driver Training.

The cost to the province will include $60 thousand for pre-employment training and up to $100 thousand for Truck Driver Training.